RELEASE OF LAND FOR

Dr Teo Ho Pin asked the Minister for National Development (a) when will his Ministry release land for "white pumpers"; (b) how many sites will be offered for such a purpose; and (c) what are the tender qualifications and eligibility for tenderers.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Mr Speaker, Sir, MND is currently working with MTI to study the possibility and the mechanisms of allowing petrol pump facilities in commercial or white sites, or "white pumps", as mentioned by Dr Teo. The study is still at a preliminary stage and details have yet to be worked out. MND and MTI will make the necessary announcements when the details are finalised.

Dr Teo Ho Pin: Sir, can I ask the Minister whether the Ministry can consider allocating land along the side of expressways for these "white pumpers" instead of putting the petrol kiosks at the housing estates?

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Sir, as I indicated, we have still not reached the stage where we are looking at specific sites for such facilities. But it obviously depends upon, first of all, the availability and, secondly, whether such "white pumps" can co-locate with other users, taking into account factors such as fire safety as well as environmental requirements.