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decisions. And, if necessary, we should be ready to sacrifice the less urgent projects to the more urgent ones,
However, by putting forth the above proposals, I do not mean or imply that the jurisdiction or activities of the Urban Council should be reduced nor have I forgotten our building plans and our due responsibilities. I only think that at this time when the whole community of Hong Kong is surrounded by difficulties, we should pull together to weather them, because, after all, we are in the same boat. We cannot just care about our own business without giving due consideration to the needs of the community. Even if the Urban Council makes the above-mentioned decisions or anything close to them, it will not be sufficient for us to stimulate economic recovery or to tide over the economic crisis. I urge the Government to reduce tax to help solve the difficulties of the people and lift the cloud of gloom off the commercial and industrial fields. This is an active way to save the economic crisis and an effective measure to deal with the deficits incurred as President Gerald FORD of the United States said, "At present, our most urgent need is to let the people spend the money and not the Treasury Department to spend it, because the situation has changed. You know it quite well, and so do I". Under the circumstances, the Hong Kong Government should take onto itself the responsibility of solving more problems for the public and then it will undoubtedly gain the full support of the citizens of Hong Kong. If the Government obstinately insists on continuing with its short-sighted policy of "killing the goose for the golden eggs", the consequences will be appalling. In my "New Year Speech" delivered as the Chairman of the Universal Consumer Association, I have appealed to the Government to study and make use of the measure of “Reducing Taxation" to stimulate economy and to ease the economic crisis. I now once again earnestly ask the Government to give serious consideration to this proposal.
With regard to suggestions made by Mr. SIN and with reference to the Annual Debate to this Council, I feel very sad about his departure because he has done a lot for the work of this Council. But I hope to say that because of his contribution, he should be made a Legislative Councillor or be an Appointed Member. In that case, it won't be the last time he's speaking now.
With these suggestions, I support the motion. (Applause).
MR. AMBROSE K. C. CHOI (in Cantonese): - Mr. Chairman, today, I would like to discuss the problem of public housing which is the most urgent problem we have to tackle.
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The population has increased to a state where accommodations cannot meet the demand. This problem was experienced with the 659 cases out of the total 884 which I handled in the past year. The 74.5% figure shows that the public is very much concerned.
In the address by His Excellency the Governor, two years ago announced a 10-Year Housing Programme. This historical programme was intended to accommodate 1,800,000 people and that means the replacement of the cottage areas, in order that the objective will be achieved of a self-contained home in a decent environment for all. If the Government carries out the programme to the fullest extent, it is in fact a down-to-earth policy worthy of praise. His Excellency the Governor also pointed out that the inadequacy and scarcity of housing, and the harsh situations that result from it is one of the major and most consistent sources of friction and unhappiness between Government and the Population. The intelligence, and foresight of the Governor is highly appreciated. We are encouraged to know that the Governor had announced once again the 10-Year Housing Programme on 16th October, 1974 to the Legislative Council. It shows the determination of the Government to press ahead steadily with the work, for as long as it is necessary, until the defect in our society is removed. The achievement in this aspect is known to the world and Hong Kong is proud of it.
However, the housing problem in Hong Kong has not yet been settled. Many residents still dwell in congestive and poor environment, especially those who are living in Resite Areas. The unfavourable surroundings of those sites are beyond our imagination. I would like to appeal to the Authorities concerned to look into the situation, to take sufficient measures to ensure proper facilities in order to satisfy human requirements. By so doing, although these people may not be accommodated in estate flats, they may still enjoy living in the site and will not murmur complaints all the time. The urgent housing problems can be temporarily tackled by making improvement to the present conditions of the Resite Areas.
The work of the Urban Council is closely related to the public at large. Especially the elected Councillors are representatives of the public. They understand the public and they can put forward the views of the public. Housing is the basic demand of the public and it is closely related to urban matters. I suggest that all the twenty-four Councillors should be ex officio members of the Housing Department. They should be vested with the powers and functions to advise on housing policy