SMALL FAMILIES IMPROVEMENT SCHEME (Progress on implementation)

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Community Development if he will state the progress on the implementation of the Small Families Improvement Scheme.

The Minister for Community Development (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Sir, since the announcement of the Small Families Improvement Scheme by the Prime Minister at the National Day Rally on 15th August this year, my Ministry has been working with various relevant Government and statutory bodies to work out the operational details.

My Ministry has also held briefing and discussion sessions with various community groups likely to come into contact with families eligible for the Scheme to enlist their help in reaching out to them.

We are also developing information pamphlets for distribution through the voluntary welfare organisations, grassroots organisations, unions and self-help groups, as well as family-planning clinics and other relevant agencies.

The Scheme will be implemented in January 1994. More details on the Scheme will be released in December this year.

Dr Vasoo: How many families are projected to benefit from the Scheme?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, we estimate that about 4,000 families could benefit from the Scheme.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin: Would the Minister tell the House how the predecessor Cash Grant Scheme and the Small Families Improvement Scheme differ in their policy objectives?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, the Cash Grant Scheme required the women to come forward to be sterilised. That is the main difference. They are aimed at helping families to keep their family size small. In terms of the broader objectives, they are the same. It is just that the mechanism is different.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin: Is the Cash Grant Scheme still in practice or has it been abolished?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, this Small Families Improvement Scheme will replace the Cash Grant Scheme because this Scheme is much more attractive than the Cash Grant Scheme.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin: In the Cash Grant Scheme, it was $1,500 as the cut-off point. In view of the rising cost of living and the fact that the Cash Grant Scheme was introduced many years ago, would the Minister consider increasing the threshold of the cut-off point?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, we do not believe in indexing the various thresholds or cut-off points to inflation. This Scheme is more attractive and those who really require help should come forward to seek assistance under this new Scheme.