TNAG-1729-FCO40-2442-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 158

In

Cases

will always be a contentious matter of principle as to just what should be paid to people who do not own the land they use and from which they must be cleared, but who

often have enjoyed its use for a long time, and some have

probably contributed something to the overall economy. I can only say that practical systems for assessing payment

have been developed over a long period and are subject to

the constant scrutiny of the Finance Committee and these, of assessment afe continually updated both with regard to method and

A to rate.

se

is

1

Mr. Edward Eg also raised the question of the effect of the housing programme on the labour supply

situation in the construction industry.

•

Our records indicate that the number of manual

construction workers engaged in public housing is below

the 1982 figure. This has been manifesting itself.in some

public housing contract delays, particularly on new works projects and repair programmes. To counter this, the Housing Department intends to fully implement semi-mechanised methods of construction this year, and new housing designs are being prepared which take advantage of

this. Discussions are also being held with concerned

organisations to explore means to overcome worker shortage.

Sir, I also endorse Mr. Ho's views about using

local consultants for Government projects. I confirm that wherever possible local firms with local experience are

used. Experience of local conditions and requirements

actually placeda consultant at an advantage in his submission for a project.

z^a

New consultants should be

engaged from abroad only when expertise is not available

locally.