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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
There is one final consideration in this connection. The idea may be that contracting out would secure more rapid progress in any one building. Progress, however, is rather a matter of work that can be done in a limited area, but still more of the money provided. The Government purse is not unlimited, and the first calls are the many works that are little noticed but are esentially necessary, and no more funds in any year could be provided to an outside contractor than to the Public Works Department.
The question of aviation in Hong Kong has been prominent in the Debate. In such a new and untried subject I suggest that very close thought is required at the outset to find the fundamental principles that should guide us locally. Aviation is not a local concern-even a Training School and a Flying Club can exist only as parts of a wider whole. No large aviation enterprise has ever started-and few if any exist-without a subsidy of the kind that can only be provided by a National Government which is too big for a Colony like Hong Kong to consider and there are many considerations other than the subsidy-they need no reference which make it necessary to rest any aviation scheme which is to be given a hope of success on national assistance. We can be sympathetic and ready to do our bit, but we cannot standi on our own feet alone and it is with this in mind that entries to foster aviation have been made in the Estimates.
The figures may almost be taken as token figures-an earnest of our sympathy which must be strong to find the sums promised in these times. The sums are as much as we can afford, and have comparatively little connexion with the requirements of any scheme, as these requirements cannot yet be estimated with reasonable accuracy. The money, however, is ready and will be available for any proposition which the Government is satisfied will offer a reasonable chance of success; but such a scheme must inevitably show a close connexion with wider schemes covering hemispheres. Our mite would be useful then and would be forthcoming. As shewing the difficulties of arriving at a decision in this matter, the Secretary of State has intimated that it will be necessary for him to be satisfied of the soundness of any scheme proposed before he can sanction the expenditure even of the sums entered in the Estimates.
I note in passing that the Hon. Mr. Shenton refers to an offer of $60,000 spread over three years. I am not aware what this refers to. The amount provided in the Estimates is $300,000 spread over five years.
We are not meanwhile delaying in providing accommodation at Kai Tak. A new commercial aviation hangar is
hangar is under consideration, and the facts and figures you have heard to-day from the Hon. Mr. Shenton are being carefully weighed so that
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