XN000022-1973-10-31 — Page 25

-

23

Wednesday, October 31, 1973

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TERRITORIES

Mr. Szeto Urges Better Facilities For Rural Areas

A comprehensive development plan for the New Territories, making

full provision for the essentials of community life, should be introduced

as a matter of urgency, the Hon. Szeto Wai said today.

The development of the Now Territories, he suggested, should not

stop at the new towns but should be extended to other rural areas, and

taken to the outlying islands.

"In all cases, infrastructures answering the essentials of a

community life must be provided and in a suitable timescale hitherto

out of step in the building of our new towns."

He emphasised, however, that the development of the rural areas

in the form of new townships for housing, industrial expansion and commercial

activities must be accompanied with the development of the region's natural

environment to provide greater recreational outlets for a highly urbanised

community.

Much of our countryside has deteriorated due to long years of

neglect, misuse and pollution. Such rural disasters must be eradicated

and the countryside saved and preserved," he stressed.

Speaking in support of a motion of thanks for the Governor's address

to the opening session of the Legislative Council, Mr. Szeto welcomed the

recent establishment of a New Territories Development Department within the

Public Works Department to deal with housing and associated development

in the rural areas.

/Referring to.....