Government has now taken decisions on most of the issues of major signi- ficance, which will affect the future of broadcasting and television in Hong Kong. Proposals for which approval in principle has been given include: the establishment of an independent Broadcasting Authority which will have responsibility for the regulation of all aspects of radio and television broad- casting; extension of the licences of the two existing television stations for a period of 12 years, from December 1988; the introduction of cable television into Hong Kong; and a total ban on the advertising of tobacco products on television and radio, with effect from December 1990.
70. To enhance the editorial independence of Radio Television Hong Kong, a Board of Governors, with largely non-government membership, will be established to determine its broad editorial policy. In order not to subject it to commercial pressure, Radio Television Hong Kong will continue to be publicly funded and will remain within the public service.
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
71. The Hong Kong Government continues to invest heavily in capital works for Hong Kong's future development. The approved financial provision for the 1986/87 financial year is nearly HK$5.4 billion and the level of commitment for new work to start in 1987/88 will be the highest ever, at some HK$6 billion.
72. Over 55 per cent of expenditure on public works is on highways and engineering projects, including site formation. Major projects which began in 1986 include reclamation at Hung Hom Bay, which will provide land for expansion of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation's freight and passenger terminals, Route 5 from Sha Tin to Tsuen Wan, and piling work for the Eastern District Hospital. There is also substantial investment in water supply projects to handle increased water supplies from China, in environ- mental projects and in the provision of recreational and cultural facilities.
73. A number of major infrastructural projects are under construction or being planned for implementation. Some of these projects, while facilitated by the Hong Kong Government, are financed by the private sector. They include notably the Eastern Harbour Crossing costing HK$3.4 billion, which will provide a road and rail link by tunnel between the eastern part of Hong Kong Island and East Kowloon by 1990. Other examples are the construction of a sixth terminal at the Kwai Chung Container Port (already the third largest in the world), and active planning for a second air freight complex at the Kai Tak International Airport. Further, the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation is constructing the first phase of the Light Rail Transit System for the Tuen Mun and Yuen Long New Towns at a cost of HK$1.3 billion.
74. Development of the New Towns continues, with expenditure at the rate of some HK$3 billion a year. Work has commenced on the construction of two New Towns at Junk Bay and Tin Shui Wai. The first stage of development at
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