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XCC(73)10
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In the meantime, given that the possibility of financing
and constructing the MTR has been established, it is considered that the decision. in principle recorded in paragraph 1(a) of this memorandum should be publicly confirmed, and that a firm decision should now be taken to proceed as soon as possible with the first four stages. Decisions will also be needed in principle on:
(a)
(b)
(c)
the establishment of a Mass Transit Railway Corporation as a statutory corporation;
continued employment of the Consulting Engineers, with broadly their present terms of reference, on a month-to-month basis, pending a final decision on the contractual arrangements to be adopted for constructing and equipping the MTR; and
other additional work which requires to be authorised now.
Work can then proceed on all these points in the coming months, as well as on the drafting of legislation for various necessary purposes.
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As regards (c) above, action will need to be initiated now on the following points if the programme is not to be delayed:
(a)
(b)
Ventilation research
The interrelated problems of ventilating and air-conditioning the MTR are extremely complex, and are made more difficult by the fact that no underground railway system is yet in operation which caters for the passenger volumes and the climatic conditions which will be experienced in Hong Kong. Tests will need to be carried out to determine a number of design parameters, e. g. the most suitable location and size of ventilation shafts, It is proposed that an approach be made to a specialist firm in the US, which has established suitable test models, to undertake this work.
Soils investigations
This work will need to continue at an increased
pace if the construction programme is to be
met. It is planned to let two contracts to
overseas firms, one for soils investigations
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