CO129-572-10 Rent Commission 14-3-1938 - 7-6-1938 — Page 4

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The report was carried out rapidly and does

In

not appear to be altogether satisfactory.

particular the argument in para. 8 of Part III is

confused, while in basing their comparison with the

year 1933, the Commission make little effort to

consider whether rents at that time were unduly high.

Nor, in assessing rents as a return on capital outlay,

/

is it clear whether the rate of net profit is

calculated after making an allowance for depreciation,

or whether it includes an element of amortisation.

The arguments against the introduction of rent

restriction take little account of the measures at

present in force in this country, a comparison which

cannot, I think, be altogether neglected in spite of

local differences. Finally, I understand that it

has been a general complaint of Colonial officials

that rents are generally very high in Hong Kong, and

this is not evidence which can be altogether ignored.

We are not in a position to press the

Colonial Government to introduce rent restriction I

think, but I suggest that it might be an advantage to

acknowledge the despatch, note paragraph 2, and say

that the Colonial Government will no doubt watch the

position carefully with a view to further

consideration should it appear necessary.

? so proceed.

P.

1. RogeD

5.4.38.

I had a balk with Mr Schofield

the Hany Komy Cadet who was

of this tommium

の

read the report, hut

Charm

Au

I had not

on Schofield

Said that

the Temunisane

fully