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building programme or towards the integration of the resettlement dwellers within the general community. Either way would make no difference so long as it is agreed upon.
It has been estimated, Mr. Chairman, that a minimum of HK$80 million would be required to complete the resettlement building work for the remaining 210,000 squatters. Assuming that the Colony's defence contribution to Her Majesty's Government is about HK$16 million annually, I certainly see justifiable reason why this amount could not be waived annually over the next five years, which would represent Her Majesty's Government's contribution towards solving the problem.
Actions speak louder than words, and the United Kingdom Government's early consideration and acceptance of such a proposal would effectively squelch the widespread criticism which has been levelled from many quarters all over the world that Her Majesty's Government is either unable or is unwilling to share with the Hong Kong Government the responsibility of providing concrete aid towards solving our refugee and squatter problem.
The question of integration of our resettlement population into the general community is of vital importance today. Together with other Council members, Mr. Chairman, you and I are fully alive to the need for urgent action. But does the Central Government in Hong Kong fully realize the gravity of the situation? I presume and I believe that it does, but in any event I would request, Sir, that you bring my views to the attention of Government so that they may consider taking appropriate action. By "appropriate action" I mean that His Excellency the Governor after consultation with our upper Councils might consider formally requesting the acquiescence of Her Majesty's Government to the proposal which has just been put forward.
I am sure that all those who have Hong Kong's interests at heart will endorse this proposal, and some may even say that it does not go far enough. Be that as it may, Mr. Chairman, the proposal that has been made is realistic, justifiable and fully supported by the public. It is now up to the Hong Kong Government to take the cue and press for immediate and forthright action on the part of Her Majesty's Government.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
35
Before I sit down, Mr. Chairman, I might say that I intend to ask a question at the next meeting of this Council as to whether a reply will have been forthcoming from Government as to this particular proposal which I have put forward and if no reply has been received, to ask why not. I have no doubt that it will be given a proper hearing in our upper Councils, especially since a fellow Councillor, Col. Clague has been appointed to the Legislative Council. I have full confidence in his ability and integrity of character. (Applause).
MR. CHAN SHU WOON:- Mr. Chairman, I arise to support your motion.
Your Statement of Progress and Policy covers a wide variety of our achievements and many sound proposals for our work in the coming year. This demonstrates that some improvement has been made towards the welfare of our community.
However, I wish to stress a few points which affect our daily life, and I do hope that the Council will give these matters due attention.
The Council is directly or indirectly concerned with the cost of living of our community, inasmuch as the operation of market is concerned. It cannot be denied that if the operation cost is high, such charges will ultimately be transferred to the cost of foodstuffs. Therefore the cost of market stall rental forms the nucleus of operation costs. These must be brought down. During the past the Council has considered a point system in the adjustment of market stall rental, and this has been in operation in some markets. However, it has not yet been introduced as an overall policy for all the markets, and in this respect I would like to bring to your attention the abnormal rates the stall holders have to face. Having received representation from the stall owners, and after on-the-spot investigations, it has been revealed that in some cases the rental concerned is far too high, as much as $1,800 per month, and at the same time there are quite a number of our stalls which have not been let out. Most of the expenses would add up to a higher cost to the stall owners which would be eventually shifted to the consumers in the form of higher prices, thus leading to the lowering of their purchasing power. With less demand incurred, the patrons are on the decline and the stall owners will make less profit, or at last be forced to close down. This surely
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building programme or towards the integration of the resettlement dwellers within the general community. Either way would make no difference so long as it is agreed upon.
It has been estimated, Mr. Chairman, that a minimum of HK$80 million would be required to complete the resettlement building work for the remaining 210,000 squatters. Assuming that the Colony's defence contribution to Her Majesty's Govern- ment is about HK$16 million annually, I certainly see justifiable reason why this amount could not be waived annually over the next five years, which would represent Her Majesty's Government's contribution towards solving the problem.
ΠΟ
Actions speak louder than words, and the United Kingdom Government's early consideration and acceptance of such a pro- posal would effectively squelch the widespread criticism which has been levelled from many quarters all over the world that Her Majesty's Government is either unable or is unwilling to share with the Hong Kong Government the responsibility of providing concrete aid towards solving our refugee and squatter problem.
The question of integration of our resettlement population into the general community is of vital importance today. To- gether with other Council members, Mr. Chairman, you and I are fully alive to the need for urgent action. But does the Central Government in Hong Kong fully realize the gravity of the situa- tion? I presume and I believe that it does, but in any event I would request, Sir, that you bring my views to the attention of Government so that they may consider taking appropriate action. By "appropriation action" I mean that His Excellency the Governor after consultation with our upper Councils might con- sider formally requesting the acquiescence of Her Majesty's Government to the proposal which has just been put forward.
I am sure that all those who have Hong Kong's interests at heart will endorse this proposal, and some may even say that it does not go far enough. Be that as it may, Mr. Chairman, the proposal that has been made is realistic, justifiable and fully sup- ported by the public. It is now up to the Hong Kong Government to take the cue and press for immediate and forthright action on the part of Her Majesty's Government.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
35
Before I sit down, Mr. Chairman, I might say that I intend to ask a question at the next meeting of this Council as to whether a reply will have been forthcoming from Government as to this particular proposal which I have put forward and if no reply has been received, to ask why not. I have no doubt that it will be given a proper hearing in our upper Councils, especially since a fellow Councillor, Col. Clague has been appointed to the Legis- lative Council. I have full confidence in his ability and integrity of character. (Applause).
MR. CHAN SHU WOON:-Mr. Chairman, I arise to support your motion.
Your Statement of Progress and Policy covers a wide variety of our achievements and many sound proposals for our work in the coming year. This demonstrates that some improvement has been made towards the welfare of our community.
However, I wish to stress a few points which affect our daily life, and I do hope that the Council will give these matters due attention.
The Council is directly or indirectly concerned with the cost of living of our community, inasmuch as the operation of market is concerned. It cannot be denied that if the operation cost is high, such charges will ultimately be transfered to the cost of foodstuffs. Therefore the cost of market stall rental forms the nucleus of operation costs. These must be brought down. During the past the Council has considered a point system in the adjustment of market stall rental, and this has been in operation in some markets. However, it has not yet been introduced as an overall policy for all the markets, and in this respect I would like to bring to your attention the abnormal rates the stall holders have to face. Having received representation from the stall owners, and after on-the-spot investigations, it has been revealed that in some cases the rental concerned is far too high, as much as $1,800 per month, and at the same time there are quite a number of our stalls which have not been let out. Most of the expenses would add up a higher cost to the stall owners which would be eventually shifted to the consumers in the form of higher prices, thus leading to the lowering of their purchasing power. With less demand incurred, the patrons are on the decline and the stall owners will make less profit, or at last be forced to close down. This surely
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