19

If Honourable Members advise that the proposed studies should proceed, it will be necessary to protect by administrative measures the flight-path associated with an airport at Chek Lap Kok from obstructions.

20

The areas concerned are explained and illustrated at Annex C. The main consequence would be that industrial development along the north- west coast of Lantau would be restricted in terms of, for example, chimney height.

21

If it is eventually decided to proceed with the project, Honourable Members' advice would be sought regarding the making of appropriate Orders under the Hong Kong Airport (Control of Obstructions) Ordinance (Chapter 301). Meanwhile, any possibly conflicting develop- ment in the areas concerned would be referred to the Director of Civil Aviation for a statement on height limitation requirements.

Public relations implications

22

There was considerable public interest when the possibility of a new airport was last mentioned in the press. Most comment was favourable, particularly from that section of the community which lives in and around the flight path to Kai Tak. Interest will undoubtedly be revived when site investigations are underway. It will be most important to avoid giving any impression that the Government has made up its mind about constructing a new airport. It is proposed to issue a short press statement which would emphasise that the studies are aimed simply at establishing whether it would be physically possible to construct an air- port at Chek Lap Kok, and that such questions as whether Kai Tak should be replaced and how a project of this nature could be financed have not yet been considered.

Advice sought

23

(a)

(b)

Honourable Members will be asked to advise whether:

a civil engineering feasibility study of land formation for a replacement airport at Chek Lap Kok should be carried out in conjunction with the land development study of north Lantau being undertaken by the Public Works Department (paragraph 18(a) above);

an airport layout plan should be developed by consultants instructed by the Director of Civil Aviation, to show the

CONFIDENTIAL #

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