CO129-554-5 Commission of Enquiry into the Hong Kong trade depression- correspondence and report 27-3-1935 - 11-8-1935 — Page 148

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would not be of great importance to either of the se

countries, but it is not in accordance with the

recommendations made elsewhere by this Commission

regarding the possibility of forming closer relations

with China with a view to securing preferential treat-

ment for Hong Kong products.

23.

After considerable consideration there fore

we were reluctantly forced to the conclusion that the

existence of the Green Island Cemont Company would be

too dearly purchased by the sacrifice of our free port

status, and we regret that we are unable to recommend

any assistance to this Company by means of tariff,

quota or dumping duty on foreign cements.

24.

We do unanimously recommend that, short of

interference with the free port status, the Green

Island Cement Company should be given every assistance

and consideration by the Government.

25.

We are of the opinion that it is in the best

interests of the Colony as a whole that the Green

Island Cement Company should continue to function in

Hong Kong, and we strongly urge the Government to give

the situation their most careful attention with a view

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to granting such temporary relief from rates, etc., as

may be possible and also with a view to ensuring the

maximum utilisation of the Company's product in all

public works of any magnitude.

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