XN000022-1973-09-03 — Page 2

Monday, September 3, 1973

FORMAL TALKS ON PROPOSED OIL REFINERY AT LAMMA

The government began discussions today with representatives of the Toa Oil Company Limited of Japan and Hong Kong's Textile Alliance Limited about the environmental aspects of their joint application for a petroleum refinery and petrochemical complex on Lamma Island.

Representatives of Messrs Cremer and Warner, who have been commissioned by the government to report on the environmental aspects of the proposed

project, were also present.

At the meeting, the applicants raised the possibility of proceeding on a site which included Tung 0 Bay on the southern coast of east Lamma. This suggestion will be evaluated by the consultants in the same manner as that

for the northern part of the island.

In the meantime, it is proposed to proceed with the publication of the consultants' report on the environmental impact of the Shell refinery and the report of the government group which visited refineries in Singapore

and Australia.

It is expected that these will be available towards the end of

this month.

Further meetings will be held during the week.

These will be followed

by a visit to Japan by Mr. David Akers-Jones, Principal Assistant Colonial Secretary (Lands), and Mr. Nip Kam-fun, Government Civil Engineer (Consultants Management), together with representatives of Messrs Cremer and Warner.

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