2
Given that a separate Home Ownership Scheme would
have to depend on Government for the allocation of sites,
it is difficult to see how it could, of itself, result in
a gain in the supply of flats. Some of the price differential
achieved by Government foregoing the developer's profit would
be offset by administrative costs incurred because of the
need to examine applications and to ensure the effectiveness
of the ban on resale.
As the Acting Secretary for Housing explained in
Legislative Council on 18th July in reply to you, the Hong
Kong Government's policy is to increase the supply of land
for building medium and large flats. I understand that a
number of sites have already been offered, and while the
supply of medium flats will remain relatively disappointing,
the supply of large flats and houses in 1979 and 1980 should
be substantially higher than in 1978.
Urban Council
I have noted the points which your Association makes
with respect to the composition of the Urban Council and an
extension of the franchise for elections. Although Her
will Majesty's Government naturally keep these matters under
review
whit the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and it does
It has to bear in mind the paramount need to maintain
but dow not andfit cnet
consider that it be appropriate to introduce the sort
would
of changes you are proposing at the present time.
/Cont'd.