SINGAPORE TOTALISATOR BOARD (AMENDMENT) BILL

Order for Second Reading read. 2.05 pm

The Minister for Finance (Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

The main amendments to the Singapore Totalisator Board Act are as follows:

(a) Amendment to section 4, which relates to the functions of the Board. The Bill proposes to amend this section so that the Board can carry out other activities not covered under its existing functions, provided that these activities are approved by the Minister. The Board may, with the Minister's approval, offer facilities for recreation such as golfing, and carry out activities which are "requisite, advantageous or convenient for or in connection with the Board's functions" on land owned or held by the Board.

(b) Amendment to section 5(1) which relates to the Board's powers to carry out its functions. The Bill proposes that this section be amended to make it clear that the Board's powers include the provision of technical assistance and advice relating to racing and gaming in Singapore or elsewhere; and the formation of a company or participation in a joint venture in pursuit of its functions or activities approved by the Minister. Similar provisions are found in the legislation of other statutory boards.

These amendments will make it clear that the Board can now, provided the Minister's approval is given, go into activities not covered under its existing functions. For example, the Board has been offering golfing facilities, which under the existing Act, the Board may not have the explicit authority to do so. The amendments would also allow the Board some flexibility to make better use of its resources, ie, land, technical expertise, etc.

Aside from the main amendments, there are minor technical amendments to the wording of the Act's provisions.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House.

The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau].

Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.