HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL -- 3 February 1988
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Cheung Shui New Town, with the earlier availability of efficient c services and communications, there was less emphasis on industrial develop- ment in its planning. This does not appear to have affected its progress or the popularity of housing there, as it is clear that the town is seen by many who live there as a very good commuting suburb. Over the last two years, however, after a very slack period, there has been a marked revival of interest in investment in industrial development in the nothern New Territories. This has been reflected both in the sales of new industrial lots and also in the number of exchanges involving more intensive development being processed in the On Lok Tsuen industrial area. This revival appears to be more connected with the present evolutionary stage of our industrial development than in the general develop- ment of Fanling/Sheung Shui, but it does suggest that Government should aim to provide more such sites for disposal in the future, and this will be looked at
now.
MR. CHEUNG (in Cantonese): Sir, I would like to thank the Secretary for a very, very detailed explanation. I would like to ask the Secretary a question. If the New Territories North District Board and the residents think that there is a need to increase the area of saleable land, will there be such an increase?
SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS: Sir, the North District Board's views on this matter are, of course, extremely important and will be taken into account. The pattern of sales and the pattern of development in Fanling of course is guided by a great deal of other factors, including the current investment in infrastructure in different parts and in different zones in the area.
MR. EDWARD Ho: Sir, I refer to paragraph 3 of the Secretary's reply. In order to encourage redevelopment of the central areas in Fanling, for example Shek Wu Hui, it is necessary to improve the existing narrow streets and inadequate infrastructure. Will Government inform this Council whether it has considered the necessity of these types of improvements?
SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS: Sir, the plot ratios permitted on the individual lots are definitely intended to encourage the aggregation of lots which could result in improvements to the infrastructure and road pattern of that area. I understand that the Administration has also discussed with owners more comprehensive development schemes.
MR. ANDREW WONG (in Cantonese): Sir, the Secretary only mentions housing development and industrial development but he has not mentioned anything about development of office space. In order to have a more balanced development, can the Government consider allocating more land for the development of office buildings so that there can be an increase in employment and there can be a better distribution of employment in new towns?