HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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be the Hong Kong Authority type of accommodation. Government has moved towards that but far too slowly. We are told by the Director of Public Works that we have now got to Mark VII and even Mark VIII. Let Government declare, here and now, that the standard of housing in the future will be at least that set by the Housing Authority. Mr. Chairman, let Government not fall into the same mistake in public housing policy as Government did originally in resettlement. It may surprise our new members to know that Government said, at that time, until we strongly objected, that Government provided resettlement for the people simply because Government needed Crown Land for redevelopment. And, we said "no", but that it was Government's duty in our society to provide housing to the people who could not find housing for themselves. That in itself is the best of all reasons: not to clear land just because it was needed for redevelopment but because it was right and proper for Government to provide housing of a standard that the people need as human beings. Mr. Chairman, I support this Motion and I would like to add a rider; that it be urgently considered by the Standing Committee of the Whole Council, so that it will not be shelved and, when it is considered, that specific recommendations be made to the Government. Then perhaps, this Council might again. debate those recommendations. I support the Motion.
MR. PETER C. K. CHAN:-Mr. Chairman, I just want to make one remark. I support the Motion, but by supporting the Motion I wish it to be recorded that I am not suggesting that the staff of the Resettle- ment Department has not been doing their duty well.
CHAIRMAN:-If there are no other speakers, I shall take a vote on this Motion which is before us through the use of Standing Order 10(1) and on which I shall abstain.
MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, am I allowed to say something. I would just like to try and persuade the Commissioner to vote with us because I think he mis-read the Motion. I think he read something into it that wasn't there when he asked the question "does the Motion say we have lost confidence in ourselves" and the answer is "no". I think Mr. BERNACCHI touched the point we want to standardize management throughout the Housing Authority, through Low-cost Housing and Resettlement Estates. I am sure the Commissioner agrees with us so I don't known why he is going to abstain.
CHAIRMAN: -Because I think Mrs. ELLIOTT, subject to any views that he might have, this Motion is before us under Standing Order 10(1), and for that reason I shall abstain. I shall now take a vote on this Motion which is set out under 4(1) of the Order Paper.
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