Issue
Objective/explanation
22
CONFIDENTIAL
Present status/progress
China
interest*
UK
interest*
Secretary for Economic Services Funding and development of Chek Lap Kok Airport
Ban on ivory trade
Doubts have been expressed about the ability of Government successfully to develop the New Airport and related infrastructure. Concerns centre on the financial burden, inflationary impact, effect on funding in other Government fields, and, recently, the environmental impact.
With the expiry of the reservation on 18.7.1990, and the coming into force of the requisite laws to give effect to the ban, ivory traders, carvers, and workshop operators will continue pressing for financial assistance. latest Animals and plants (Protection of Endangered Species) (Exemption)
The
(Amendment) Order 1990 will renew debates on the whole issue, and will be seen as another heavy blow to the dying trade.
Two major consultancies for the airport a Master Plan study to design the airport and a financial study to examine its viability will start in July. The Provisional Airport Authority has been
created. First works on site January 1991. Chinese public support still only lukewarm.
UK environmental lobby will keep on attacking HK despite HK's efforts to adhere to CITES requirements.
Chinese concerned about financial burden
post-1997. Financial support dependent largely on Chinese expressing support for project.
X
**
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.