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conditions in China. I am aware that in the
past the policy of the Government of Hong Kong
has been to leave the building of workers
houses largely to private enterprise, while
itself giving womb assistance by the
provision of land at reduced praemia, and
that this policy was adopted on the ground
that the work could in this way be carried
out more cheaply than if it were undertaken
by Government. But this policy has not, in
my view, been satisfactory;
progress alike
in reconstruction and in the building of
additional accommodation has been too slow,
and with the return of a large measure of
prosperity to Hong Kong the time has now, I
consider, arrived when the Government of
Hong Kong should itself take an active part,
and endeavour to set a much faster pace in
this matter.
I regard the provision and voting of the
necessary funds as a public duty, incumbent
on the Legislature of Hong Kong, who in this
way would be showing a proper appreciation
and awareness of a state of affairs in
relation to Housing which calls for prompt
remedial measures in a colony under British
administration.
7. I do not overlook the fact that the
provision of new and better accommodation
for the working population of Hong Kong has
the consideration of the report
awaited
made by Sir Patrick Abercrombie on the
replanning