16
Wednesday, October 17, 1973
Even when the Underground Railway is completed the bus will continue
as the major public passenger carrier. It is therefore essential that the
quality of the bus service should be steadily improved to a point at which
they are readily accepted, at least at peak times, as a satisfactory
alternative to the car, taxi or public light bus, Discussions are being
held with the bus companies on the best way of ensuring this.
As a basis for an overall transport policy, a green paper will be
tabled shortly. The paper will present an overall transport policy, a
composition of restraints and improvements designed to keep Hong Kong on the
MOVE. I am sure Honourable Members will wish to consider and debate on
the propositions in it. Certainly a clear-cut long term policy is essential.
Traffic and transport are of course inter-connected with the problems
of off-street parking and also to some extent with that of use of strect space
by hawkers, and consequently with the progressive planning and provision of
more adequate markets.
It will be the responsibility of the Secretary for Environment to
ensure the composition and coordination of long term plans covering all these
difficult inter-related issues.
Land Policy
The Secretary for Environment will share responsibility with the
Secretary for Economic Services for land policy. I think Honourable Hombers
will agree that it is time we took a hard look at this. If the standard of
living of our people is to continue to rise our economy must continue to expand.
We must ensure it does not get stuck on a plateau, either through lack of
/suitable land .................