4
proposed to go shares with the Air Ministry
The Air
in the erection of the hangar.
Ministry consented, and we are waiting for
Treasury agreement. So far as Hong Kong are
concerned, therefore, they are already committed
to their share, and the objection already made
to Items (1) and (2) applies here also. The
Treasury might, of course welcome the idea of
paying the ir half share out of the Colonial
Development Fund, but I think we ought to oppose
any such suggestion as the Air Ministry have
already consented.
The enlargement of the Aerodrome is
more the sort of work which might be met from
the Fund. It has been recommended by an Air
Ministry expert but has not been proceeded with
because neither Hong Kong nor the Air Ministry
is prepared to pay for it. The Air Ministry
have not committed themselves as to the
necessity or otherwise
of Mr. Dawson's proposals,
but y merely said that they did not consider
them necessary at present. I do not, however,
see how this work can be brought within the
scope of the Fund as laid down in Section (1) of
the Colonial Development Act. It can hardly be
brought within the words "aiding and developing
agricultura industry in the Colony" although
the reclamation part might be brought within Section
(g). Moreover, I do not see how any of the
work would give employment to this country.
The only part of the Governor's
proposals which can even be considered for
communication to the Committee is the
enlargement