C.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL
機密
13
XCC(75)55
Board members could not undertake these important responsibilities without being given adequate time for briefing and to absorb the issues involved. It is, therefore, proposed that the following timetable be followed:
9th September
19th September
19th September
1st or 2nd October
Early October
Consideration by Executive Council.
Notice in the gazette bringing the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Ordinance into operation.
Notice in the gazette appointing Members of the Board of the Corporation.
Introduction of motion into the Legislative Council.
First contracts let and financing arrangements confirmed.
Conclusion
40
The broad case for proceeding with the Mass Transit Railway has been put to Honourable Members on a number of occasions and most recently in paragraphs 11-17 of memorandum XCS(75)1. Despite the effect of the continuing recession on car ownership, it is still predicted that the growing demand for the move- ment of people and goods in Hong Kong in the 1980s will produce very heavy congestion in the greater part of the urban area and a consequent need for increased transport capacity. It is clear that such congestion would result in increased costs and other damage to the economy and that this would put a brake on the improvement of living standards. A series of studies over the years has consistently shown that the Mass Transit Railway would be by far the most heavily utilised underground railway per track mile in the world and this is the essence of the Provisional Authority's confidence that the system will be commercially viable,
41
The present time would also appear to be ideal for the commencement of a project of this sort, given the relatively low con- tract prices being quoted and the availability of finance on reasonable terms. Any further delay, however, would almost certainly ensure the erosion of these particular advantages, and it is unlikely that the interest of world contractors and financiers could again be revived.
CONFIDENTIAL
機密
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