is then allocated to families eligible for public housing. Until three years ago mass intakes were the practice, hundreds of families being intaken into a block in a matter of days, in order to speed up the process of clearance of squatters. This practice was replaced in 1971 by a system of controlled intake over a longer period of time. As far as possible, each intake is restricted to 36 families, thus providing an opportunity for the estate staff to make personal contact with new tenants, and for the terms and conditions of tenancy to be fully explained.
37. Because of the rudimentary room finishes, new tenants almost always extensively decorate their own rooms. They are permitted to plaster the walls, but not to install windows on the balconies since this obstructs ventilation. This decoration work is normally carried out by private contractors, and the tenants are required to place a deposit of $50 with the department, which is refunded as soon as the work has been completed in accordance with the standards laid down, and all debris has been removed.
38. In contrast with normal commercial practice, there is no formal lease agreement between landlord and tenant; letting of tenancies is governed by Section 28 of the Resettlement Ordinance. Basic con- ditions of tenancy are listed on a tenancy card issued to tenants, which they are required to observe. The enforcement of the tenancy conditions requires tact and patience. Appendix 6 shows details of action against breaches of tenancy conditions.
IMPROVEMENT IN ESTATES
39. Because of overcrowding and unsophisticated design, conditions in the estates leave much to be desired. During the year, however, action continued to be taken to improve conditions. A phased pro- gramme started in 1968 to replace the electrical wiring installed by tenants, with cables in proper conduits, was completed. 113,324 rooms were rewired in 240 blocks. Work was completed for the installation of an underground drainage system at Tung Tau Estate, to replace the open drains which were difficult to keep clean. About $5 million was spent on improvements to the communal toilets and bathrooms in the older Mark I and Mark II blocks.
40. Action was also taken to prevent restaurant owners from misusing their outside seating structures for cooking and food prepara-
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