HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT:-I thought that point was clear, Sir, but I had stated in my reply that, of course, not all the people in the priority categories are squatters. In other words, these 425,000 places include a number of people who are not squatters at the moment.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Arising out of the supplementary by Mr. SALES, was there not a strong recommendation by the Resettlement Policy Committee that Government over the next few years should improve the housing accommodation, including the area of space for each child, over the next few years, since it is the intention to have up to 35 sq. ft. per person including children as soon as possible?
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT:-Mr. Chairman, I feel that we are rather straying from the point on this. I am afraid I am getting slightly confused by it all. I think Mr. CHEONG-LEEN is well aware that for the new Mark VI, which will be coming up reasonably soon, it has been agreed that the density will be 35 sq. ft. per adult.
(3) MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:-
(a) Can the Chairman advise whether the Government has made any decision as to where the new indoor air-conditioned stadium for fifteen thousand people will be built, whether on the new railway station at Hung Hom or otherwise?
(b) What is the revised cost of the new stadium?
(c) How soon will building commence on this new indoor stadium?
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS replied as follows:—
A rough Schedule of accommodation to be provided in the stadium has been seen and accepted by the Recreation and Amenities Select Committee and sketch plans have been prepared by the Government Architect. A submission to Public Works Sub-Committee recommending approval of the sketch plans is now being prepared in the Secretariat.
If this submission is approved, the estimated cost will be about $12.5 million.
No decision has yet been taken on the site though a site over the proposed new railway terminus and sidings at Hung Hom is at present favoured by the Public Works Department.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
It is not yet possible to forecast when building works will commence.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, what is the reason why it is not yet possible to forecast when building works will commence?
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS:-Mr. Chairman, because the sketch plans have not been approved and money has not been voted.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Must the sketch plans first be approved before money can be made available?
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS:-The usual process, Sir, is that the Crown is going to watch the plan that you have to spend the money on.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-When will the sketch plans be completed then, Mr. Chairman?
(The Secretary for Home Affairs left at this point).
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: The sketch plans have been completed but have not yet been approved. This is what I have said, “A submission to the Public Works Sub-committee recommending approval of the sketch plans is now being prepared."
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Has that been in the hands of the Secretariat for quite some time, Mr. Chairman?
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: A very few days.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-I am very glad to see that giving enough notice of this question has initiated a certain amount of action.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS:-Mr. Chairman, it initiated no action whatsoever. The action was going on for the last 2 or 3 months, and there is no question of rushing any plans up to the Secretariat just because Mr. CHEONG-LEEN asked this question.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Well, in that case, Mr. Chairman, when is it expected that Secretariat will approve of these plans?
CHAIRMAN: I rule that out of order, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, arising out of the supplementary of Mr. WRIGHT, if it is accepted that nothing was rushed up arising out of this question, can the Director of Public Works give me an assurance that so long as he remains in the Public Works he will do everything possible to see that the Secretariat will give approval of the plans as soon as possible?
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