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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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involve the fixing of additional meters to an estimated number of from 40,000 to 50,000. This is a work which the Colony cannot undertake at present and very careful consideration of many factors (apart from the heavy capital expense) will be necessary before it is possible for the Government to pledge itself in this matter. There is however no objection to individual owners installing separate meters of their own to determine the distribution of the supply passing through the main Government meter of the house.
HON. MR. SHENTON asked:-
1-Will Government inform this Council of Government's policy in reference to an air mail service
(a) Between Hong Kong and French Indo-China,
(b) Between Hong Kong and Canton, and
(c) Between Hong Kong and Shanghai?
2. Has Government ascertained whether the French Government and Chinese Government are prepared to co-operate in such enterprises, and if so, on what terms?
3. Is Government prepared to financially assist private enterprise in any or all of the above air lines?
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied:-
1. While the Government is not prepared to institute Air Mail services, it remains ready to accord sympathetic consideration to any practical proposals that may be put forward. In the absence of concrete proposals, the policy cannot be more closely defined.
2. The French authorities propose to carry out experimental flights between Hanoi and Hong Kong and it is possible that proposals will be put forward in the light of the results obtained.
No information is available regarding the attitude of the Chinese Government.
3. No undertaking can be given but the sympathetic consideration referred to in the first paragraph of this reply contemplates the grant of financial assistance if an application meets with approval.