TNAG-0220-FCO40-256-Constitutional-development-of-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 20

for

PARLIAMENTARY

ORAL answer on 15 July

QUESTION

with s

Hong Kong Department

by Lord Lothian

p.m. 13 July

what

The Lord Sorensen To ask HER MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT whether

the condition of Hong Kong continues to be tranquil;

further progress has been made in providing accommodation for

Chinese families; whether this more than keeps pace with the

increase in population; and whether further constitutional

improvements are contemplated.

The situation in Hong Kong remains quiet.

So far as the housing situation is concerned, since March,

1969, accommodation for approximately 98,100 people has been

provided by Government and Government aided agencies: and at

the end of March, 1970, a total of nearly 1,700,000 people

(more than one-third of the total population of the Colony)

were housed in accommodation provided by Government and

Government aided agencies in resettlement estates and low-cost

housing estates.

The rate at which accommodation is being provided is

keeping pace with the growth in the population which is currently

increasing at a rate of less than 70,000 per annum.

As regards constitutional improvements, owing to the

special position of Hong Kong there can be no constitutional

progress towards self-government.

However, in the sphere of

local government the functions and status of the Urban Council

are under review and the Governor's recommendations are now

awaited.

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Hansard extract of for

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ALG

14,7-70

HKK 1/20