13.
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Other interested organisations were also given copies of the paper and briefing sessions were arranged for organisations in the aviation and tourism sectors.
Among the 94 submissions, 45 are in support of the proposal; 13 do not support the extension of the airport's operating hours and 34 are opposed to the entire proposal; two have mixed opinions.
As far as District Boards are concerned, six raised objection to the extension of the airport's operating hours but held different views on whether additional aircraft movements within the existing operating hours are acceptable.
The principal concern of many District Board members is the large number of people who would be affected by the additional noise nuisance, if the proposals were implemented.
Some District Board members recognise the potential economic benefits to be brought by the extra flights.
Representations received from the business sector, totalling 40, are unanimous in their view that the proposals should be supported. The submissions covered responses from 14 hotels, four travel agencies, five airlines, three travel related companies and 14 various trade and business organisations/chambers of commerce.
The tourism and aviation industries also consider it important to build up a stronger traffic base to benefit the new airport. They worry that if the current demand for air services is accommodated elsewhere through diversion of traffic, the economy of Hong Kong will be adversely affected in the long run.
Three political parties have petitioned the Government with signatures and opinions collected from the affected residents, expressing opposition to the proposals.
Representations from individual District Board members, environmentalists and residents groups argue, among other things, that the proposals would adversely affect the environmental quality and well-being of local residents.
Individual respondents who wrote in support of the proposals believe that additional flights would generate more business and employment opportunities for Hong Kong people.
The briefing to members of the panels today is part of the Administration's consultation exercise to invite views on the proposals. All comments received will be carefully considered, before the Administration decides on how best to proceed.
End/Tuesday, March 7, 1995