Property Prices Among Issues Tabled for Parliament

Source : Weekend TODAY, August 25, 2007

CONCERNS over whether the Singapore economy is at risk of overheating, and if recent spikes in prices and property rentals are impacting its competitiveness, dominate the list of issues to be debated in Parliament on Monday.

Four Members of Parliament (MPs) have tabled questions on these issues, with Madam Halimah Yacob, for example, asking what the Government intends to do to ensure the overall cost of doing business stays competitive.

Also on the agenda are questions about recycling efforts and the recent Asean Regional Forum. Nominated MP Thio Li-Ann has asked what the proposed setting up of an Asean human rights commission would mean for Singapore laws and foreign policy.

Several Bills are scheduled to be introduced, including proposed amendments to the Land Titles (Strata) Act and two new pieces of legislation – the Inquiries Bill and the Pharmacists Registration Bill.

Coming up for a second reading and debate are four bills, including one on accounting standards. Also tabled is a notice of motion calling for Parliament to authorise the Finance Minster to borrow — by the issue of Treasury Bills — a further $30 billion, for a total not exceeding $60 billion.