Enclosure No 11(a)
Hongkong Electric Tramway Draft Bill.
17
390
1. The last paragraph of Clause 3 gives the Governor in Council power to alter the line of route. This may some day be interpreted as giving powers to extend the line. The usual saving Clause for the protection of the Sec of State for War, which is inserted in all similar Bills at home, should be added. This is to the effect that “Nothing in this Bill shall authorise the Company to enter into or take possession of any land vested in the Sec of State for War for the time being (or land reserved for Military purposes) without having previously obtained his permission in writing.
2. Clause 23. It is doubtful whether the Sec of State for War will agree without further definition of a Special Case.
3. Clauses 31 to 34 are missing. They apparently relate to power of acquiring land. Do they give powers for acquiring Crown land? These Clauses should be attached.
4. If the saving Clause previously mentioned in No 1 be inserted, I see nothing to hinder the passing of the Bill so far as Military interests are involved.
31/5/01
(Sd.) J. Gascoigne.
Major-General.