SINGAPORE POOLS (PTE) LTD (Agency licences for 4-digit puntings)

Mr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Finance and Minister for Health (a) what are the pressing reasons for the move by Singapore Pools (Pte) Ltd to offer licences for agents to operate 4-digit puntings; (b) whether the social ramifications of such a decision had been considered; and (c) whether such a move contradicts the overall Government policy of promoting better moral values of our citizens.

The Minister for Finance and Minister for Health (Dr Hu Tsu Tau): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Singapore Pools plans to introduce an on-line computerized electronic terminal system which will eventually replace its current manual system.

The on-line computerized system will be used initially for Toto only. At a later date, its use will be extended to include the 4-digit numbers game. This will take into account the need to prevent proliferation of betting systems.

Operation of the computerized system is simple but requires the use of telephone lines. Singapore Pools therefore intends to locate the electronic terminals within the premises of shops located in the vicinity of its current sales booths and to have the terminals operated by agents on a part-time basis. This will allow the phasing out of the manual sales booths, Present plans are to install 150 terminals which will displace the existing 169 sales points.

The decision to computerize the Toto and 4-digit games implies no significant change in Government's policy towards gambling. Government recognizes that the urge to have a flutter, whether it be Toto, 4-digit, or horse-racing, cannot be totally eliminated from human nature. Far better that some controlled legal outlets be provided than to allow the urge to be satisfied by illegal operators. The proposed 150 electronic terminals will allow adequate access for those who wish to play the games. Care will be exercised to ensure that the terminals are not located in areas frequented by children and the gaming facilities will not be actively promoted.

Dr Augustine Tan: Sir, would the Hon. Minister agree with me that this introduction of what may be called "electronic vice" will lead, among other things, to (a) financial ruin of many families; (b) erosion of work ethics in Singapore; and (c) the encouragement of speculative as opposed to productive investments?

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I do not believe that the introduction of an electronic terminal system adds to the vices, as the Member has said, to what it is now. It is merely a replacement of the existing system.

Dr Augustine Tan: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, what moral right does the Government have to profit from gambling when it denies private individuals the right to profit from gambling?

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: It only denies illegal profits.

Mr Chng Hee Kok (Radin Mas): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have a question for the Hon. Minister. If the majority of residents in a general survey indicate that they are not in favour of betting agents being located in their constituencies, will the wishes of these residents be respected?

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Pools would certainly take into account the wishes of the residents in any area. But it all depends on what the Member means by "the majority of residents". The intention is, in fact, to locate the terminals in the vicinity of booths which currently exist and which have been in place for some time and therefore should be near areas which are not socially disruptive and have, in fact, been accepted by the residents.

Dr Augustine Tan: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, would the Hon. Minister consider the views of Members of Parliament? And if any Member of Parliament were to object, would these devices be introduced?

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: Sir, we would naturally accept the advice of Members of Parliament. However, I think it would have to be on the basis of the majority of Parliament.

Dr Aline K. Wong (Changkat): Two supplementary questions, Sir. Arising from the Member for Whampoa's inquiry about acceptance of the views of Members of Parliament, would the Minister not think that it is time also to review the exemption given to Singapore Pools from having to ask permission from the Government to embark on games of this nature?

Secondly, would the Minister not also think that if the Government earmarks revenue that it would gather from Singapore Pools from this operation for specific social welfare projects, then the public at least should see some direct benefits to be derived from having a Government-owned company run this operation?

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the present law allows Singapore Pools a wide discretion to introduce various forms of gambling devices. But naturally I do not believe that they would proceed without consulting the Government on this. As far as the law is concerned, we intend to take a look at the implications for the future.