CO129-592-9 Future Policy in Hong Kong- Port Administration 13-1-1945 - 4-3-1946 — Page 113

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CIVIL APPAIRS POLICY DIRECTIVES

PORT ADMINISTRATION

1. The harbour of Hong Kong should be re-established as a

commercial port as quickly as possible with facilities comparable

to those available in 1941 and such improvements should be made as

the new conditions may demand.

2. The recommendation made by Sir David Owen in his Report

dated 24th February, 1941 entitled "Future Control and Development

of the Port of Hong Kong", that the port administration should be

under the control of a Public Trust, while the operation of the

port should remain as previously in the hands of private individuals

or firms, should be accepted and implemented as soon as 'practicable.

3. To carry out this policy it will be necessary to relieve

the Harbour Master of certain functions and responsibilities

previously held which would not be the concern of the Port Trust

when this is established. The work of ship survey and boiler

inspection, the duties of marine magistrate and the control of Air

Services should be transferred to other departments whilst the

accounts of the Harbour Master's Department should be placed on such

a basis as will enable a balance of debits and credits in the

running of that Department to be struck.

4. Holders of pier leases expiring on 31st December, 1949

should be informed again that Government intends to take possession

of all piers on that date and that no claims for compensation or

fresh leases on favourable terms will be considered, but that

Goverment will be prepared to issue new leases at the old rentals

to all previous, leaseholders for a term 'equivalent to the period of

enemy Qocupation. Leaseholders should be informed that thereafter

new leases will be issued at full rental value to whomsoever

Goverment please and on such terms as may be desirable in view

of the future development of the port.