SALE OF SHOPS TO SITTING TENANTS

Mr Ang Mong Seng asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the good take up rate of the Sale of Tenanted Shops Scheme (on 30-year Lease), (i) whether he has any plans to expedite the sale of shops to sitting tenants, and (ii) whether he will consider selling the remaining shops in the Bukit Gombak Constituency in the next exercise.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: The response to the first batch of shops in Bedok, Bukit Gombak and Yishun towns sold on 30-year leases in August 1997 has been very encouraging. The take-up rate is about 97%. In view of the good response, HDB will continue to offer about 200 shops for subsequent sales at 30-year leases in various estates.

As for the sale of shops in Bukit Gombak, I have asked HDB to consider the MP for Bukit Gombak's request to include some shops in his constituency for the future sales.