GENERAL ELECTIONS (Constituencies and electoral boundaries)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence whether, in view of the development of new private and Housing and Development Board housing estates since the last general election in 1984, the Government intends to increase the number of constituencies for the coming general election in 1988/89 and, if so, what steps are being taken in regard to new electoral boundaries and preparation of electoral rolls.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence (Mr Goh Chok Tong): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill to provide for Group Representation Constituencies is now before the Select Committee. Many representations have been received. These may have a bearing on the nature and number of Group Representation Constituencies.

The Government will not decide on the number of constituencies for the next general election until the Select Committee has reported to Parliament.

Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir): Sir, will the First Deputy Prime Minister indicate whether general elections will be held this year?

Mr Goh Chok Tong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I suspected that that was the interest behind the question. I would not so indicate.