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Wednesday, March 29, 1972
INTRODUCTION OF MORE ADVANCED FISHING METHODS AND EQUIPMENT
Continuous Investigations By Agriculture And Fisheries Department
The Agriculture and Fisheries Department is continuously investigating
more advancod fishing methods and equipment for use by the local fishing fleet.
The department is also currently designing a prototype modern
trawler of improved standards in terms of working conditions, safety,
efficiency and comfort. The first of such vessels may be introduced within
the next year or so.
The Financial Secretary, the Hon. C.P. Haddon-Cave told the
Legislative Council today the new type vessel would involve a higher rate
of capital investment when compared with existing types of modern vessels.
He added: "It must be recognised that it is not likely that the
younger generation of Hong Kong's fishing community will be attracted to
work on board fishing vessels unless these improved standards are provided."
The Financial Secretary was replying to suggestions made during
the debate on the Budget that money spent on research and development
constituted only a small proportion of the allocation to the Agriculture
and Fisheries Department.
He said an examination of the 1971-72 figures would show that
of a total expenditure of about $18 million only 13 per cont was spent
on administration, but 23 per cent was spent on research, 36 per cent on
development and 28 per cent on regulatory requirements.
The pattern, he said was very similar for the 1972/73 estimates
The Financial .....