CO129-520-7 Public Utility companies- acquisition by foreign groups 4-12-1929 - 26-1-1930 — Page 44

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monopolies and have no powers by legislation or regulations.

Legislation to give such powers by way of licence has been

drafted but was not acceptable to the Hong Kong Electric

Company and has been allowed to drop.

3.

Both companies have entered into various

agreements with the Government for public lighting and the

China Light and Power Company has recently entered into an

agreement for extending its supply to the New Territories

with a concomitant agreement regarding a way-leave for

cables through the Beacon Hill tunnel of the Government

railway: but these agreements, having regard to the general

legal position indicated in the preceding paragraph do not

appear to afford proper opportunity for imposing on the

companies any stipulations as to the personnel of their

directorate.

4.

I am advised that as regards the control of these

and any other public utility undertaking in time of emergency

this Government has ample powers under the Emergency

Regulations Ordinance No.5 of 1922, and pending the results

of the discussion mentioned in the first paragraph of Your

Lordship's despatch under reply it is not proposed to take

any legislative steps for the further control of such

undertakings in the Colony.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,

Governor. &c.