TNAG-0317-FCO40-353-Policy-of-housing-and-resettlement-in-Hong-Kong-problem-of-s-1971 — Page 45

20

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

THE CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, replied as follows:--

I think that Members are aware that over the past year or two, the Department has been able to obtain additional posts such as those for the Hawker Liaison Section and the Deputy Commandant, Hawker Control Force, and also to have hawker bazaars built and additional bazaar sites allocated or earmarked in a number of locations. In addition, funds have also been provided for the construc- tion of modular markets in certain Resettlement Estates.

However, on the broader front progress has been slow. This is because full implementation of the Council's revised Hawker Policy will necessitate the provision of staff, land, vehicles, etc. on a much larger scale than hitherto and it will therefore be necessary for the Governor in Council to endorse this Council's Hawker Policy and for the Legislative Council to approve the necessary funds.

The point has now been reached where a paper on the subject will be submitted to the Executive Council for approval in the near future, and I would hope that, thereafter, it will be possible for greater and more rapid progress to be made in this connection-even though detailed examina- tion will still be necessary of any major proposals.

In the meantime the Department has spared no effort in stressing the urgency of this matter and has been doing all it can on the ground with such resources as are avail- able. But as Members will realize, such steps as we are able to take will help barely to contain the situation, no permanent improvement will be possible until the neces- sary resources which we need and which we have been asking for are provided by Government in full measure.

I would like to assure all Members that Government is well aware of the need for early action to prevent any further deterioration in the hawker situation. I will, however, draw the Secretariat's attention to the Council's anxiety about the lack of progress.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-In the context of this reply, what is meant by the phrase "in the near future"?

CHAIRMAN:-What it says; I can't amplify in any way.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-In other words, you yourself are not sure what it means?

CHAIRMAN:-Not in specific details.

Page 45Page 46