TNAG-1842-FCO40-2617-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 18

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be necessary also to take

account of the need for other

large

essential

projects, such as new sewage treat ment

facilities which will cost as much as HK$12,000 million

over the next decade.

Social Development

38.

presents

The Hong Kong Government's social

а

marked

contrast

to

philosophy

its generally

laissez-faire approach to the economy. Since the early

1950's, the Government has built subsidised public housing

for rent to the poorest sector of the population. Over the

years, the housing programme has increased in size and

The Hong Kong Housing Authority is

responsible for housing almost half the population of

territory and is the biggest landlord in the world.

well as constructing

ambition.

constructing new flats for

now

A s

flats for rental, at ever higher

standards in ever better designed estates, it is replacing

its older stock and has begun a programme of building flats

for sale to satisfy increasing demands for home ownership.

39.

In a very crowded territory it is not possible for

every one to live in spacious and uncrowded conditions.

But, within the confines of high rise living, more and more

adequate housing of a good standard is being provided.

Most households now possess colour television sets,

telephones and electrical household appliances, including