FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS FOR HDB 3-ROOM FLATS (Increase in grants to lower income families)

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for National Development whether the Government will increase the grants to lower income families who are first-time applicants to help them purchase 3-room flats either from the Housing and Development Board or the open market.

Mr Matthias Yao Chih (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, the Prime Minister said in his National Day Rally speech on 18th August 1996 that the Government will continue to spend more time, energy and resources on public housing. He also stressed that public housing will continue to remain affordable and revealed that the Government will do more to help the lower income households to own their flats.

Following this, the Minister for National Development has, on 22nd August 1996, explained the four-pronged approach that the Government has put in place to help the lower income households own their flats. The approach comprises:

(1) sale of 3-room flats, purchased by the HDB from the open market; at discounted prices;

(2) sale of 4-room budget flats;

(3) sale of rental flats to sitting tenants at discounted prices; and

(4) priority allocation of 3- and 4-room flats to HDB rental flat tenants.

1.30 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No. 21(3), Written answers to Question Nos. 12, 23, 27, 28, 30 and 31 are reproduced in the section, 'Oral Answers to Questions Not Reached' (Cols. 545 - 550). Question Nos. 13 to 22, 24 to 26 and 29 have been postponed to the next sitting of Parliament.]