CONFIDENTIAL
BRIEF NO 7
MR ROYLE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
11-15 NOVEMBER 1972
SOCIAL SERVICES
HOUSING
1.
Despite spectacular achievements in the field of housing and resettlement the Hong Kong Government still face the formidable
problems of satisfactorily rehousing the squatter population and of refurbishing many of the older estates. Some 300,000 people still live in squatter huts or temporary housing.
2. HK $192 million has been provided for housing in this year's budget (HK $1 million less than last year). However, on the Governor's instructions the Housing Authority have thoroughly reviewed their programme. At the opening sitting of the new session of Legislative Council the Governor announced plans to build sufficient permanent self- contained accommodation in a reasonable environment for every inhabitant of Hong Kong in the next decade. Such a target if achieved should lead to the virtual disappearance of squatter areas and the elimination of overcrowding and sharing in both private and public housing. requirement for public housing during that period is to house 1.8 million people. The total cost of developing sites and building at present day prices is HK 83,340 million (£239 million). It is proposed that from next April an expanded housing authority will have all the powers and functions now divided between the Housing Board, the Urban Council, the Commissioner for Resettlement and the present Housing Authority.
The total
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A
1
CONFIDENTIAL
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