Parliament on Friday began with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong replying to MP Christopher De Souza's question on whether he is planning to call a by-election to fill the vacated Hougang seat.

PM Lee said he intends to call a by-election in Hougang but has not yet decided on the timing.

The Single Member Constituency seat was left vacant after the Workers' Party expelled Mr Yaw Shin Leong following reports of his personal indiscretions.

The House then continued to consider the estimates of expenditure for the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports for the financial year starting from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013.

Several measures were announced to strengthen the social safety net and develop the social sector. They include enhancing Comcare and Public Assistance schemes; extending more help to families with young children; and broadening support for the elderly and disabled.

Parliament also passed amendments to the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, commonly referred to as 'lemon law', which will take effect from September 2012.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said: "Introducing such a law in Singapore will bring us in line with international jurisdictions, and assure both locals and tourists that the products they buy are of good quality, thus improving the image of the retail industry in Singapore."

Changes to the Moneylenders Act were also passed to further improve protection for borrowers, especially those in the lower income group.

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