CO129-608-7 Future policy- Report on Port Administration by Sir David Owen 24-2-1941 - 24-2-1941 — Page 26

Sir,

Colonial Secretariat,

Hong Kong.

18th November, 1946.

REPORT OF THE

PORT ADMINISTRATION INQUIRY COMMITTEE

We were appointed by Your Excellency by letter dated

28th August, 1946, to conduct an inquiry into certain matters

concerning the future administration of the Port of Hong Kong,

and in accordance with our terms of reference we have the honour

to submit this report.

2.

Terms of Reference.

Our full terms of reference were:

To institute, make and conduct an inquiry into the under- mentioned matters, to report to His Excellency the Governor thereon and to make such recommendations thereon as may be thought fit.

(a) What advantages would accrue from the establishment of

a Hong Kong Port Trust to control the Port as recommended in the Report of Sir David Owen, and whether it is in the public interest that such a Trust should be established.

(b) What, if any, deficiencies exist in the present arrangements for the administration and control of the Port and what reforms, if any, are called for.

(c) Whether any deficiencies that may now exist could be

remedied and whether any reforms that may be deemed necessary could be introduced by some modification of the present system of Government control.

(a) What means could be adopted to secure on the one hand a

closer and more effective co-ordination between the Government departments concerned with the Port and to ensure on the other hand the fullest possible representation of the interests concerned.

(e) Whether the desired end could be attained by the formation of a Port Advisory Committee whereon Government departments and public and private interests concerned were fully represented such Committee to have the right of direct access to the Government for the purpose of making representations.

(f) What, if any, other scheme or method of control or operation

of the Port might be practicable and desirable.

(g) What means should be adopted for the introduction of such

scheme or method of control or administration of the Port as may be recommended.