XN000022-1972-03-29 — Page 25

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Wednesday, March 29, 1972

INTRODUCTION OF MORE ADVANCED FISHING METHODS AND EQUIPMENT

Continuous Investigations By Agriculture And Fisheries Department

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department is continuously investigating

more advancod fishing methods and equipment for use by the local fishing fleet.

The department is also currently designing a prototype modern

trawler of improved standards in terms of working conditions, safety,

efficiency and comfort. The first of such vessels may be introduced within

the next year or so.

The Financial Secretary, the Hon. C.P. Haddon-Cave told the

Legislative Council today the new type vessel would involve a higher rate

of capital investment when compared with existing types of modern vessels.

He added: "It must be recognised that it is not likely that the

younger generation of Hong Kong's fishing community will be attracted to

work on board fishing vessels unless these improved standards are provided."

The Financial Secretary was replying to suggestions made during

the debate on the Budget that money spent on research and development

constituted only a small proportion of the allocation to the Agriculture

and Fisheries Department.

He said an examination of the 1971-72 figures would show that

of a total expenditure of about $18 million only 13 per cont was spent

on administration, but 23 per cent was spent on research, 36 per cent on

development and 28 per cent on regulatory requirements.

The pattern, he said was very similar for the 1972/73 estimates

The Financial .....