CO129-608-7 Future policy- Report on Port Administration by Sir David Owen 24-2-1941 - 24-2-1941 — Page 144

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"By contrast, the Government's interest in the working of the Hong Kong harbour and port is beneficent, and it would appear to appreciate and have confidence in the many very adequate and up-to-date facilities which have been made available and are maintained by private enterprise. I cannot too strongly advocate, therefore, that in any contemplated change of Port administration these facilities should not be interrupted, and that private enterprise should continue to do its own "operating" which has contributed so largely to the popularity and efficiency of the Port.

"PRESENT AND FUTURE CONTROL OF THE HARBOUR. Turning to sub-paras (a) and (b) as quoted above, from the Owen Report, may I ask for your indulgence in considering these conjointly in relation to the sub-paras (b) to (g) in your Terms of

Reference.

"I suggest that it might reasonably be said that a more direct liaison with Government over the affairs of the Port would be well, and as a means of effecting closer co-ordination between the Government departments concerned with the Port, and commercial interests and undertakings vitally interested in the welfare of the Port, and who are eminently entitled to a say in its administration, I would recommend a fuller devolop- ment of the existing Port Executive Committee as a suitable means of control and administration to the best advantage of all interests dependent on its services.

"The Committee I envisage would, however, be larger than the existing one and should include a Senior Government official, a Senior Representative of the Public Works Department, the Harbour Master and Assistant Harbour Master, at least four commercial representatives, representing the Chamber of Commerce, Shipping, and Dock & Wharf interests. The Chairman of this body should, in my opinion, be a Government official of high standing, or preferably a Senior Naval Officer having proved administrative ability, and the appointment should be permanent, or for a stated term of years, in order to ensure continuity of constructive policy. Commercial appointments to the Committee to be made by the Governor on the nomination of the General Chamber of Commerce, and connected Commercial and Shipping interests. The question of including a Chinese commercial representative on the Committer might be a matter for consideration.

"The matters over which this Committee would have control should be very largely as outlined in pages Nos.24, 25 and 26 of the Owen Report.

"Should your Committee so desire I would be happy to attend in person for the purpose of giving further expression of my views on this very important problem.

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