TNAG-0573-FCO40-706-Monitoring-of-progress-made-on-planning-paper-on-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 178

COUNTRY PARKS

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The rapid development of the New Territories places an urgent obligation "on the Government to ensure that large areas of unspoilt countryside are preserved

intact to play their part in recreation and tourism. Whether in the New Towns, Kowloon or Hong Kong Island we live in noisy, densely packed, and exceptionally busy surroundings. We must preserve areas where there is quiet, fresh air, and natural beauty, and Hong Kong is still rich in such areas. The Country Parks Authority and Board have therefore been established.

The Board is strong, with plenty of punch, and the Authority is not

stinted of funds. They are engaged in a race against time to designate the Park areas and establish management to preserve them and to encourage their proper use, before improper and haphazard use destroys them. I know members will join me in wishing the Authority and Board every success and will also keep a sharp eye on the progress they make.

This brings me to the end of that section of my speech which broadly

speaking, covers the development of programmes designed to solve by the early '80s problems thrust on us by the swamping of Hong Kong by influx and expansion of population. I now turn to other problems which unhappily are more the

products of our own society, and which we are attempting to solve not only

by official action but also through mobilising the community as a whole.

I.C.A.C.

Corruption has done Hong Kong much harm; but I am pleased with the progress now being made by the I.C.A.C. It has already made a very considerable impact both in checking corruption here and in re-establishing the good name of

Hong Kong overseas.

The Operations Branch has been staffed and trained, reached full establishment

and become a potent deterrent. Moreover it is now able not only to react to complaints but increasingly to take the offensive against those involved in the deep-seated organised corruption which has hitherto escaped the law. Mr. Prendergast has well fulfilled his