SMALL AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY RESETTLEMENT (Offer of alternative premises)

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many small and light industrial businesses which were affected by resettlement were unable to take up the offer of industrial premises as at 31st December, 1986; and (b) whether they will be allowed to opt for shophouse premises if they wish to switch their trade.

Dr Lee Boon Yang (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, for the 12-month period ending 31st December 1986, a total of 1,116 small and light industrial businesses housed mostly in temporary squatter houses were affected by resettlement. Out of this, 817 cases did not take up the offer of alternative industrial premises.

Sir, they will not be allowed to opt for shophouses if they wish to switch trades because in our resettlement exercises, alternative business premises are offered according to the categories of business. Shopkeepers are offered HDB shops, whereas industrial establishments are offered workshops or factories. The allocation guidelines need to be maintained because the Board cannot build more shops simply to offer to industrial resettlement cases. The number of shops in HDB estates is planned with consideration to the number of dwelling units. Otherwise, shopkeepers will suffer from poor business.