fran
26 November 1991
Miss Stephanie Curran
21 Manor Court
Fulwood
PRESTON Lancashire
PR2 7DA
DIEU
OK DR3
Foreign & Commonwealth
Office
HKB 182/1
London SWIA 2AH
Telephone: 071-
HONG KONG: NEW AIRPORT COST
I am replying to your letter of 27 September to the Prime Minister in which you questioned the financing of the new airport of Hong Kong. I apologise for the delay in replying.
The media reports, which you commented on viewing, were wrong. I assure you that the cost of the new airport will not fall to the British taxpayer. The Hong Kong Government, which receives no aid money from the UK, will be responsible for any government spending on the airport project. There will also be considerable opportunities for British companies to compete for work on the construction of the new airport.
Hong Kong needs a new airport if it is to continue its economic success into the next Century. The current airport is also very congested and will reach its maximum capability in the 1990s. The series of projects being done together with the airport will also expand Hong Kong's port facilities and enable Hong Kong to improve the environment and living conditions of many of its people.
The Hong Kong airport agreement, which the Prime Minister and Chinese Premier signed in September this year, brought a much needed boost to confidence in Hong Kong as a major
international centre. That is good for Hong Kong, and good for Britian. Britian has a considerable stake in the future of Hong Kong. Britain's trade with Hong Kong amounts to £4 billion a year, and about 1,000 British companies operate there.
I hope you find that this information answers your queries and I thank you for writing.
Anger Maso
Angus Martin
Hong Kong Department
SISAAQ
File
55