CO129-589-11 Port of Hong Kong- Report on future control and development 18-7-1941 - 10-10-1944 — Page 124

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inserted.

It is, of course, not impossible that,

in the course of time, conditions might change

considerably and private enterprise fail to

function satisfactorily, in which event

another problem would arise, the solution of

which might involve some form of "operating"

by the Harbour Trust, but that is looking at

a remote contingency. I should not now give

the Trust power or authority to "operate". If

the necessity should ever arise, the Trust

would have to seek the necessary power or

authority from the Government.

Before leaving the question of the policy

with regard to the leasing of piers and of

allowing private enterprise to do the

operating, I would like to mention that it

has been put to me that there is legislation

in various parts of the world, such as

Australia, whereby the Authorities can prevent

new enterprises being formed for putting

steamers on runs when the particular run is

sufficiently well-served, thereby preventing

suicidal competition and waste, etc. This

aspect of the matter has not been lost sight

of by me. I can easily imagine a similar case

arising apart from any special steamer service.

It is quite conceivable,for example, that a

rival concern, more or less financially sound,

might be formed to compete with, say, the

Hong Kong & Kowloon Wharf & Godown Company.

The new concern would require a wharf or

wherves and would have to approach the Harbour

Trust for the necessary lease, but the Trust