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LegCo members' views sought on housing strategy review
The Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, has held a series of meetings with Legislative Council members to listen to their views on areas for attention in the comprehensive review of the long term housing strategy.
During these meetings, Mr Wong gave a short factual presentation to illustrate the background to the review.
It was observed that the private housing stock had increased by some 300,000 units in the past decade ending December 1994.
Members also noted that 511,000 new housing units will come on stream in the next six years up to 2001. These will comprise 141.000 public rental flats, 175.000 subsidised units for sale and 195,000 private units.
The additional public rental flats will reduce the average waiting time for applicants from seven years now to less than five years.
Mr Wong said meeting housing demand is a dynamic process.
"As incomes continue to grow in real terms, both the ability and desire to have better housing increase.
"The comprehensive review will enable us to reassess demand carefully and to adjust production targets accordingly so as to find out the best and most cost-effective way to meet this changing demand for decent and affordable housing." he said.
He thanked LegCo members who attended these meetings for giving useful and constructive views to help set the scene for the comprehensive review.
"We will also be take account of views expressed through the media.
"It is our intention to issue a public consultation document early next summer, setting out the main conclusions and recommendations," Mr Wong said.
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