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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
The situation in these older estates has, of course, been aggravated by the extent of overcrowding beyond the designed capacity of the buildings. This suggests two possible ways of improving things: by adding to the number of lavatories, or by reducing the population in the blocks. The former solution could be achieved by converting some domestic rooms into additional lavatories or possibly, in some instances, by building additional lavatory annexes as Mr. NG has suggested. Reducing the density of the population could be brought about by pressing on with our programme for the relief of overcrowding, or by converting adjacent rooms into self-contained flats. All these possibilities are under close examination in consultation with the Public Works Department, and it may be that the best answer will be a combination of some or all of them. Before reaching a decision, a number of implications have to be taken into account. For example, to what extent will conversion to self-contained flats affect the building programme and the prospect of housing those for whom there is a resettlement commitment? Will those who are displaced by a conversion programme be able and willing to pay the higher rents involved? If alterations to the old blocks involve temporary closure of rooftop schools and ground floor shops, what is to be done about them in the meantime? If we convert a lot of existing rooms into additional lavatories, or into self-contained flats, will we have enough small rooms left to house the smallest households, the families consisting of 2 or 3 people, that will have to be resettled in the immediate years ahead? All these and other questions must be carefully weighed to ensure that the best solution is found, and I am sure that the select committees will wish to know the answers to them before a decision is made.
The “communications gap”
Several members recalled the fact that we reached a total of over 1,000,000 settlers in October this year, a milestone which is both an achievement and a challenge.
MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, on a point of order, would you like to express your consent so that Mr. BARTY may continue making his speech even though he has exceeded the time limit by about two minutes already? If you are unwilling to give your consent, then may I be allowed to move a motion under Standing Order 10(9) that Mr. BARTY and any other Official Member be given all the time that they might want to say their piece today?
CHAIRMAN: -Thank you very much, Sir, I was aware that Mr. BARTY had exceeded his time and I am aware of the provisions of Standing Order 10(9). Mr. BARTY has my consent. My silence constituted consent.
MR. SALES: -No, I am sorry I cannot accept that, Mr. Chairman, your consent has to be expressed according to Standing Orders. The
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only reason why I pulled up Mr. BARTY was because when he started his speech he said that he hoped he would not take as long as the Unofficial Members. (Laughter).
CHAIRMAN: -Mr. BARTY has my consent to continue.
MR. SALES: -Thank you.
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT: -If that was the most striking single event in the progress of resettlement during 1967, I should like in the remaining time available to recall some other aspects of what has been a very busy year. First of all I must pay a warm and sincere tribute to the steadfastness and good-sense of the resettlement population and of the squatters during recent months when the vast majority clearly demonstrated that they stood on the side of law and order against the tiny minority who attempted to disrupt the peace and progress of Hong Kong. It may not be out of place if I also take this opportunity to say publicly how much I appreciate the conduct and bearing of my staff in the Resettlement Department in recent months, particularly those serving in the estates and cottage areas. They have, in a sense, been in the "front line" more continuously than their colleagues in some other departments, and although subjected to intimidation and pressures on their loyalty, have stood firm and stuck to their posts. This was nowhere more conspicuous than among the labourers who are the most vulnerable to such pressures. The fact that we lost only 37 out of a labour force of about 2,900 is greatly to their credit. But for their loyalty, we would have been hard put to it to maintain the cleansing services in our estates. Other officers in the estates have also been exposed to unpleasant situations and dangers from time to time, and the more senior of them have cheerfully carried out new and unfamiliar duties involving long hours of extra work. If recent events have been a testing time for settlers and staff alike, they have also been the occasion for the department and our tenants to come closer together than ever before. Members are aware of the strenuous efforts which the department has made to improve communications between the residents and the officers in each estate, and to encourage the former to play a more active part in the life of their community. Officers of the Squatter Control sub-division have carried out similar liaison duties among the people in their charge. The formation of new Kaifong Associations and the expansion of existing ones has been a most welcome development, and the department is doing all it can to assist them to provide useful services for the residents, particularly for the younger people who have so little to occupy their free time. A number of Kaifongs in the estates are organizing or have already provided such facilities as simple games and reading rooms, television rooms, adult interest groups, an enquiry or letter-writing service, funeral funds, and the distribution of relief goods to the needy. Some of them have applied for and been
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