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the natural environment
the hills, trees and villages; how the orderly
expansion of villages may take place; and the need for more effective action
to reduce pollution of the land and watercourses.
In this connection I an glad, Iir Lau, that you have made your case
for more active attention to be paid to village extension areas. The small
house policy was formulated to help villagers in need to build houses for
The landscape studies to which I referred have suggested ways
themselves.
in which this could be achieved in places where land resources are limited.
But as you all know, the land needed for village expansion and extension is
often privately owned, and one of the solutions to this problem is to find
a means to acquire it and then to ensure that the subsequent development is
properly planned with the necessary paths, drains and access. I understand,
from the Secretary for the New Territories, that a joint working group vill
be established to examine this problem and to make recommendations.
There
Since I last spoke to you, Country Parks covering the whole of the
upland and remote areas of the New Territories have been established.
is already visible improvement in the management of the Parks and of measures
being taken to expand their capacity to provide opportunities for recreation
and enjoyment. I am grateful for the help and co-operation of the Rural
Committee and the Heung Yee Kuk in successfully completing this formative
part of the programme; and, on the related subject, their help and advice in
dealing with the perennial problem of hill fires and litter.
When I