Sessional_Paper_1946 — Page 19

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(ii) The importation of building materials of all descriptions is of paramount importance. Most of them are in short supply all over the world, and are likely to remain so for some time. It has been stated in Parliament in London that Government control may be expected to continue for the next five years.

Unless adequate building materials can be purchased and imported without delay it will have a serious effect on the future welfare of the Colony.

Though the problem is difficult, it is not insuperable if the need is recognised and if really energetic action is taken to solve the difficulties as they arise.

No time should be lost in acquiring as much as possible of the surplus stocks of the Australian and U.S. Armies in the Pacific and the necessary financial facilities should be afforded.

This Colony has suffered more than anywhere in the world through loss of timber in buildings Immediate and energetic action should be taken to obtain teak and hardwood from every available source. total of 17,000 tons is needed for repair work alone, not counting new construction.

A

An adequately staffed Stores Department, with men experienced in buying and handling engineering and building construction stores should be organised by the Administration. The services of importing firms should also be enlisted; but they are unlikely to be able at this stage to obtain the necessary priorities without Government assistance.

(iii) It is not considered that shortage of skilled labour will prove a per- manent handicap. As soon as it is known in China that good wages can be obtained by building labour in Hong Kong an adequate supply of men will probably come forward.

(iv) There is plenty of transport (Jeeps, 15 cwt. and 3 ton trucks) with the necessary tyres and spares now available from the disposals organisations of the Australian and U.S. Armies in the Pacific. No time should be lost in arranging for adequate numbers of them to be imported into the Colony for the use of the Administration and for sale to the public for essential services. Qualified technical men should be sent by air at once to the various transport disposal depots to ensure that only vehicles in good order are purchased and that there is an adequate provision of tyres and spare parts.

8. The above suggestions are of an interim nature and are submitted to draw attention to the immediate requirements. When adequate time has been made available to full consideration of the whole question of building reconstruction in the Colony, it will be possible to submit to the Committee definite proposals for a full reconstruction policy.

Hong Kong, 18th February, 1946.

(Signed) L. W. AMPS,

Lt. Col. R.E. S.O. I (CA) Works, Buildings & Lands.