HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
When a clearance takes place the numbers of people who are denied resettlement in any particular clearance rarely exceed 10% of the totals but this percentage also includes illegal conversions. It is impossible to say how many of those denied resettlement have actually paid over money and in the majority of cases it would in any event be impossible to secure sufficient proof, in view of the inadequacy of documentary evidence. If money changes hands as a result of deliberate misrepresentation, it might appear that the remedy lies in law but again the problem of evidence applies.
I do realize that some people through ignorance have been exploited by unscrupulous squatter landlords and I welcome the opportunity once again to publicize the fact that persons cannot expect resettlement merely by buying space in a hut if they and their families are not dependent solely on that hut accommodation for residence. I shall also be happy to discuss with the Select Committee at its next meeting any further measures which Members may wish to suggest to discourage fraudulent practices.
DR. BELL: A supplementary, Mr. Chairman.
I asked in my question "Can the Commissioner for Resettlement supply information as to the past and present number of premises in squatter areas being sub-let or sold
It is not very clear in the answers whether this is possible or not possible.
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT: I am afraid that I can give no specific figures on the number of cases.
Dr. Bell: A further supplementary, Mr. Chairman. That being the case, when such cases are brought to the notice of the Commissioner for Resettlement, does this have any effect on the person who originally owned the hut? Is he in any way penalized for having done this, or is he still offered resettlement?
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT: I have pointed out, Mr. Chairman, that in such cases where there is no proof we cannot debar a person who is normally regarded as being so entitled.
DR. BELL: Mr. Chairman, does the Commissioner hand such cases over to the Police for investigation?
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT: I cannot quote any particular examples, but I believe that it has been done in the past in several instances.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
DR. BELL: Mr. Chairman, could this whole question please be referred to the Resettlement Policy Select Committee for thorough discussion as to whether such matters should be referred in every case to the Police?
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT: I should be very happy to raise this issue in the Policy Select Committee.
MR. A. de O. SALES asked the following question:
(a) Will the Chairman please give a report to this Council on the progress made in the construction of the Swimming Pool at Kowloon Tsai?
(b) Is the Chairman able to assure this Council that it will be open to the public in time for the next swimming season and that there will be no more delays?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
Progress on the construction of the swimming pool has been disappointingly slow. The contractor concerned is unfortunately well behind schedule in his work. The basin for the swimming pool has been excavated but has not yet been concreted. The framework of the various ancillary buildings has been completed.
The Architects are aware of our desire to open the Pool to the public in time for the start of the next swimming season, and I am assured that they will do everything that they can to make this possible.
MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, when I went over to the site to carry out my own private investigations, I was most disappointed with the delay. So could you please tell this Council to what extent has the work schedule been put back? Is the pool likely now not to be opened early in March as this Council has been promised?
CHAIRMAN: Sir, I would like to say a few words and then perhaps my friend, the Director of Public Works could elaborate. I visited the pool on Friday last, and I was informed that the contractor is now some months behind schedule, possibly 3 or 4 months. But I was also told that there is quite a possibility that the pool will be ready by the beginning of March. As Members may know, we asked His Excellency the Governor whether he would be kind enough to open the pool and he has agreed to do so on 7th March.
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