TNAG-1085-FCO40-1335-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 160

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The incident on July 12 arose from a misunderstanding. The youths were released because there was nothing concrete to charge them with. However the Police would be keeping a close watch on them. Police presence has been doubled and teams will patrol all blocks at the estate. Residents should report anything suspicious to them. Broken gates have been repaired and all six blocks now have mutual aid committees to help improve security. The District Board earlier gave its approval in principle to the betting centre only after learning from the Police that the choice was between a legal betting centre and illegal centres. An illegal bookmaker in the estate who was arrested took an average of $40,000 to $50,000 each race day.

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TAXI LICENCES

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On July 24, the Government announced an increase in the maximum number of taxi licences that could be issued, from 10,000 to 12,000 in the urban areas and from 838 to 3,000 in the New Territories. This decision was taken by ExCo despite a recormen- dation (unannounced) by the Administration and the Transport Advisory Committee that the number of urban taxi licences should be held at 10,000 for the time being and the number of NT licences increased to 1,000 only. Taxi operators and owners immediately responded to this news by calling a joint meeting and petitioning ExCo members and UMELCO. They feared the issue of more licences would depress the value of their own licences, although the reason they publicly gave was fear of competition in face of difficulties in business operation. They also threatened a one-day strike and said finance companies would withdraw mortgaging facilities to new buyers in the next tender. Mrs Elsie Elliott joined their group meeting on July 31 where she made public part of the TAC document. She asked the Government to apologise for ignoring TAC's recommendation and clarify the committee's advisory role. Press reaction was mixed. There was however support for the Government move in several letters by taxi-drivers and passengers. Commissioner for Transport and Secretary for Information gave press briefing on August 6 to explain background to issue. The Government stand was fully reported and there were editorials in Chinese press in following days in support of more licences. Taxi operators reacted by suggesting that existing owners be allocated the new licences on a pro rata basis or alternatively a minimum premium (at previous tender level) be set for new tender. They also said they would employ ex-solicitor Augustine Chung to help sue Government for compensation and delay government action. Government suspended tendering of licences while UMELCO were deciding whether to support them. On August 14, UMELCO said they were unable to do this. Operators presented yet another petition to Ag Governor on August 18 and simultaneously announced dissolution of their joint action committee. Tender

for new licences was announced in Gazette on August 21. Operators talked of taking court action on individual basis but so far nothing concrete heard. Press reported enthusiastic response to tender, and there were more letters in support of government decision.

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