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4.
It appears from this extract that the objects the Govern- ment has in view are the validation of certain public works which have already been carried out and the authority to construct various other public works of a minor character the exact nature of which has not been specified, which it would be cumbersome, if not impracticable, to authorise by a separate ordinance in each case. These objects have been confirmed by the answers to questions on the subject put to the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the House of Commons on the 10th, 13th and 26th July.
5. The Committee recognise the reasonableness of the position but desire me to point out that the Bill contains powers to con- struct works which go far beyond anything which can legitimately be described as being of a minor nature, or of the nature indicated in the answers above referred to. Such powers will enable the
Government to proceed with reclamation and other works on the largest possible scale (including the construction of public ware- houses, of Government-owned piers, and the institution of Govern- ment transport and ferry services) the scope and magnitude of which
it is difficult to estimate or foresee and which might vitally
alter existing conditions in the Waters of the Colony and exercise a highly prejudicial effect on existing marine rights and facilities and long established private enterprises of a similar nature.
6. The Committee has no desire to hamper the Government of
Hongkong in its desire to validate any public works which have been already carried out or to construct any further public works of a
minor character such as have been indicated in the answers given by
the Secretary of State and which can appropriately be validated and
authorised within the framework of a general Bill. The Committee,
however, consider it desirable that the exact nature of the works
the Hongkong Government has in mind should be made known before the
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