60
LEGISLATIVE
HONG KONG Legislative COUNCIL - 2nd October 1969.
[MR SALMON]
Motion
·
Like it or not, we are in the containerization age and Hong Kong must be with it. I cannot quarrel, Sir, with what you have said about the deferment of final decisions; but there comes a time when decisions can be deferred no longer and I suggest that the earliest possible start must now be made to the necessary reclamation and provision of a seawall at Kwai Chung. There is still time enough to consider the level or limit of Government financial participation and the method of opera- tion and leasing of the terminal areas, at a later date. But because there is a vital necessity of Hong Kong making provision to receive fully containerized ships, in accordance with recommendations made by the Container Committee and the Port Committee, and indeed in accord- ance with the progress already in hand at just about every major port in the world, I suggest the reclamation work at Kwai Chung should be immediately placed on the top of the Public Works Department priority list.
Tourism was debated* at the end of July, and it may therefore be premature to raise this subject again today. May I, however, mention briefly two points. Firstly, it is satisfactory to note that the Building Authority has granted further concessions for hotel developers, and it is hoped that these concessions will help to stimulate new hotel build- ing which, if forward projections are right, are going to be urgently needed. I might also add that though we are getting a number of conventions here already, I would still like to think of Hong Kong as one of the main convention centres in the East and if the right facilities can be provided, in the form of a convention/exhibition complex, the need for hotel accommodation will be greater than ever. And the second point is that I hope all possible encouragement can be given to the development of those amenities which would be for the benefit of both the tourist and our local people alike. I have in mind particularly the development of Resort Complexes in rural areas, on the lines of the recommendations of the study made as far back as 1965. The recent outline zoning plan for Ma Wan island is encouraging, and I hope there will soon be further development of some of our rural areas along the lines of a national park and a nature preserve.
Sir, I have pleasure supporting the motion.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT:-In accordance with Standing Order No 8(5) I now adjourn the Council until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday 8th October, when Official Members will reply to points raised by the Unofficials.
Adjourned accordingly at twenty-five minutes past Five o'clock.
* 1969 Hansard, page 472.
PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, HONG KONG
Code No.: 0411869 Price: $9.00
72146-4K-11/69
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.