HDB SHOPS (Deferment of rental increases)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the current recession, whether he will consider asking the Housing and Development Board to defer implementing the third stage of rental increases for HDB shophouses due in September 1986 in order to alleviate the business and financial difficulties of these shopkeepers.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Teh Cheang Wan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the third stage rental increase for shophouses affected by the 1983 rental revision exercise has been deferred for one year till September 1986. It is still too early to consider further deferment of the rental increase. However, the request by the Member will be favourably considered when the matter comes under review in the middle of this year.