3.
-2-
impounding reservoirs versus desalination has been undertaken by the Water Resources Survey Unit set up in 1964 and jointly staffed by P.W.D. and Binnie's. The unit has produced some excellent reports and its findings are very well summed up in a recent Exco paper. I am not enclosing a copy of the paper with this letter but will send it on to you by Diplomatic Bag if you so wish. Water is so important a subject in Hong Kong I suggest a full day be set aside if you can spare the time.
Your Paragraph 3.
There are two basic forms of construction for multi-storey buildings, (a) in situ" steel or reinforced concrete framing and (b) what is now called "system building" comprising prefabricated factory-made components. "System building" is little used in Hong Kong and, since the Ronan Point disaster a few years ago, it has lost much of its popularity in this country.
It has been little used in Hong Kong mainly because it has never been able to compete in cost with "in situ" buildings; other factors which have affected its use have been the shortage of cheap land for the large ground level area necessary for its fabrication and the additional engineering problems (and costs) arising from Hong Kong's typhoon conditions. Nevertheless, rising labour costs in Hong Kong may result in system building becoming more competitive.
I can arrange for you to meet a selection of contractors and architects concerned with both types of building and the planning of high density housing in Britain. If visits are to be included and I think they should be two days should be allowed.
5.
Your Paragraph 5.
The T.C.C. arrange Sir David Trench's programmes when he comes to England on leave and they would, I am sure, expect to make arrangements for your meetings with Ministers and officials in the Foreign Office and other U.K.Government Departments.
6.
There are, however, a number of visits besides those referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 which I could arrange. I would like you to meet the Branch heads in the London Office to hear something of what we are trying to do, and, if you can spare the time, to ray a short visit to Hong Kong House. Such a visit would greatly please the residents and the very large student population who make use of its facilities. All this could be fitted into a single afternoon, say from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m. in the office, with a visit to Hong Kong House from 5 p.m. to shortly after 6 p.m.
17....
Page 75Page 76
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.