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inserted.
It is, of course, not impossible that,
in the course of time, conditions might change
considerably and private enterprise fail to
function satisfactorily, in which event
another problem would arise, the solution of
which might involve some form of "operating"
by the Harbour Trust, but that is looking at
a remote contingency. I should not now give
the Trust power or authority to "operate". If
the necessity should ever arise, the Trust
would have to seek the necessary power or
authority from the Government.
Before leaving the question of the policy
with regard to the leasing of piers and of
allowing private enterprise to do the
operating, I would like to mention that it
has been put to me that there is legislation
in various parts of the world, such as
Australia, whereby the Authorities can prevent
new enterprises being formed for putting
steamers on runs when the particular run is
sufficiently well-served, thereby preventing
suicidal competition and waste, etc. This
aspect of the matter has not been lost sight
of by me. I can easily imagine a similar case
arising apart from any special steamer service.
It is quite conceivable,for example, that a
rival concern, more or less financially sound,
might be formed to compete with, say, the
Hong Kong & Kowloon Wharf & Godown Company.
The new concern would require a wharf or
wherves and would have to approach the Harbour
Trust for the necessary lease, but the Trust