Public relations aspects
14
The grant, if approved, should be generally welcomed by the public and the media in the belief that it will facilitate increased and continuing supplies of oil from China at a time of world-wide oil shortage. At the same time, given that it will involve substantial investment by China Resources, it will be regarded as further evidence of Hong Kong's future economic and political stability, but other major oil companies may level charges of favouritism against the Government which will be countered as explained in paragraph 11 above. Applications for a private treaty grant for similar purposes may also be received from other oil companies and will be considered on their individual merits but it is almost certain that no other suitable site will become available on Hong Kong Island in the short term so, in effect, no further private treaty grants for this purpose can be made in the near future.
Advice Sought
15
Members will be asked to advise whether the site shown edged black on the plan at Annex A should be granted by private treaty, on the basic terms in paragraph 13 above, to the China Resources Company for construction of an oil storage depot.
(The Secretary for Economic Services (Mr D. G. JEAFFRES ON) and the Deputy Secretary for the Environment (Mr G. BARNES) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).
13th March 1980
(CR 8/711/74 II)
G.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL
COUNCIL CHAMBER
機密
FORM 2 A
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