THE GOVERNOR'S REVIEW OF THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG
The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose's address to the Legislative Council at its opening session on October 6 received prominent coverage in the Chinese papers and drew more than 40 editorials. which in general supported the Governor's policy proposals. Several papers made suggestions on the various points raised by the Governor.
The main points in the speech which attracted editorial attention are: housing; the proposed expansion of the Public Assistance Scheme; labour; industry and law and order.
HOUSING
The Home Ownership Scheme
Eight editorials commented on the home ownership scheme under which the Government is to build flats for sale to the public.
KUNG SHEUNG EVENING NEWS (October 7) described the scheme as "practical" and said: "The better-off people of Hong Kong are keen to buy their own flats and this is
a good indication of public confidence in the future of Hong Kong. The Government, therefore, should promote the home ownership scheme."
The paper urged the authorities to implement the scheme as soon as possible in view of the improving economy.
ORIENTAL DAILY (October 8) said it appeared that the Government's housing scheme was not aimed at solving the problem of those in real need, pointing out that many squatters were still living in huts while a large number of well-off people were allowed to Occupy estate flats.
The paper urged the authorities to review the situation.
KUNG SHEUNG DAILY NEWS (October 8) welcomed the home ownership scheme and said that it would help create a sense of belonging among the people, bring about social stability and stimulate the building industry.
The paper said that the Government, when implementing the scheme, should not compete with private developers or impose excessively restrictive sale conditions.
It wondered where funds were forthcoming to finance the scheme, saying that the Government could not afford it just now and that the proposed loan from the Asian Development Bank had not yet come through.
No comments yet.
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