TNAG-0555-FCO40-650-Review-of-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 12

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"For the present, Britain should not increase Hong Kong's contribution and should not ignore public opinion in Hong Kong, #1 the paper said.

Urban Council Fees

Eight papers commented on the proposed revision of fees scheduled to go before the Urban Council for a decision, on December 16.

On December 2 the Standing Committee of the Council approved in principle a revision of fees for hawker licences, food licences and permits, food certification services, laundries, swimming pools, commercial bath-houses, offensive trade licences and pest control services.

Sing Tao Wan Pao (3.12.75) said: "The increase in fees proposed by the Urban Council is justified. It is the first major revision of licence fees for many years and during this time the Council's expenditure has increased significantly.

"If the increases are not met by revenue raised from the readjustment of licence fees, the taxpayers will have to shoulder the expenses."

The paper and Sing Pao (3.12.75),however, suggested that increases be postponed because of the present financial difficulties in Hong Kong.

Sing Tao Wan Pao said: "It would be niɑe if the Urban Council would delay the increases for a while."

Sing Pao said: "The Urban Council would be wise to consider the increase in fees once the economic situation improves."

Sing Pao, Hong Kong Times (4.12.75), New Life Evening Post (4.12.75) and the communist Hong Kong Commercial Daily (3.12.75) were opposed to the fee increases,

Sing Pao said: "It appears that the Urban Council is taking the lead in increasing prices in Hong Kong.

"No wonder the public utility companies want to follow suit. The bus companies and electricity companies are also likely to raise their fares and charges shortly."

The paper maintained that any increases, however minimal, would affect a wide section of Hong Kong's trade and industry. This view was shared by the communist Hong Kong Commercial Daily.

Sing Pao, Hong Kong Times and New Life Evening Post urged the elected Urban Councillors to give top priority to the welfare and interest of the community.

Hong Kong Times called the increases "significant."