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2.
As to the second part of
part of the question, the
answer must depend upon the precise definition of public
utility, but certainly there are a number which are not
subject to schemes of control. They include the Mass
Transit Railway, the Kowloon-Canton Railway, the
Waterworks, the two Ferry Companies, Hong Kong Tramways,
the Peak Tram and the New Lantao Bus Company. In relation
to these public utilities, there is adequate control over
fares or charges either through legislative provision or
under the terms of the relevant franchise. The hong kong
and China Gas Company Ltd does not operate under either a
scheme of control or franchise because its services are
not provided in a monopoly or quasi-monopoly situation.
3.
Lastly, Sir, there are at present no plans to
bring more public utilities under schemes of control.