1961 — Page 13

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

that a start would be made to relieve the hardship of these unfortunate people. We are now disappointed with the very slow progress that has actually been made. It is true that there are plans for about 36,700 people to be accommodated under this low-cost housing scheme by mid-1964. But what assurance can Government give us that the programme will be pursued with energy and not be allowed to slow down once more?

We are perhaps more closely connected with public housing than any other body of men in Hong Kong (turning to Dr. BELL, Mr. SALES said that imports the feminine). (Laughter). So it is worthwhile stressing in this Council that we consider it important that Government take steps to accommodate those low-income groups who do not qualify for squatter resettlement and yet are unable to meet the requirements of the Housing Authority, who, let it be noted, has also to cope with the demand for better housing by a surprisingly large class of wage earners and salaried employees who are unable to pay the rents charged by private enterprise. The Authority is very seriously handicapped by Government's land and money policies; also, it is axiomatic that the Authority must be guided by its own object of setting and maintaining reasonably good housing standards. Consequently, without lowering existing standards, it can hardly be expected to break through building costs to reach those whose case I advocate to-day, just as I have done in the past. I appeal, in consequence, to Government so that this most serious gap in our public housing programme may be closed. In the past there were good and sound reasons to clear squatters first and these reasons may well obtain still. The time has nevertheless come for a shift of emphasis so that all who live in Hong Kong may benefit from better housing. If it is Government's commendable policy not to distinguish between those who have lived here since before the war and those who came here postwar as refugees, then Mr. Chairman, it follows too that Government must not discriminate against the poor residents of longer standing. It may have been expedient to give priority to squatters, but it is always humane to look after the others as well.

Urban Amenities: It would not be amiss to say here how greatly this Council deplores the decision which Government has taken to put off work and so delay the completion of the Kowloon Tsai Park, our biggest outstanding project in this section of the Council's activities. Even the swimming pool, which is a gift from the Jockey Club, has been delayed by the P.W.D. for staff reasons according to the report made to the relevant Select Committee. The whole position there is far from satisfactory. We have protested; now we await a favourable declaration that Government has reviewed its decision and will go ahead with the whole project.

Kowloon:

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Kowloon, despite its much greater population, has suffered in the past from what gives the impression of being a singular lack of consideration for its public needs. Surely, Mr. Chairman, the pattern of development of the northern side of Hong Kong Island has stabilized, excepting perhaps for the lay-out of the Naval Dockyard area and the projected central reclamation. Also, it is in Kowloon and the New Territories that future massive residential and industrial development must take place, if we are to absorb our population in- creases and find land for the new industrial projects which must be set up so that the people may work and not starve. Consequently, it is hard to understand the seeming tardiness which characterizes Govern- ment's approach to all things Kowloon.

The list of Kowloon grievances, Mr. Chairman, is a long one. Some are of very long standing too. Indeed, the promise of a decent and adequate post office goes back thirty years. To call for redress overnight is not our aim. Besides, Mr. Chairman, it is unrealistic for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that Government depart- ments are, I am told, dedicated to the unceasing circulation of files as a way of life. (Laughter). Doubtless there are good reasons for files to do the merry-go-round day in, day out: from department to department and even from desk to desk. Whatever merit the system may have, it is not for me to question; manifestly, its extensive and inordinate use does not make for the quick despatch of business.

Parking facilities at Tsim Sha Tsui are greatly inadequate. Some people have been known to leave their cars near Jordan Road, a mile away from the Star Ferry, as the nearest point where they can find parking. We are told that there are plans for a multi-storey car-park across Nathan Road from the Peninsula Hotel. We hold, Mr. Chair- man, that it should have been built at the same time as the two in Hong Kong. Why was it not done?

It seems to me that, if Government takes money for licensing cars, there is a counterpart obligation to ensure that adequate parking facilities are available, not everywhere, but at such places where residents need to leave their cars to commute to work. Far be it for me to suggest that Government must have car-parks to take care of all the cars that have been licensed. But I think that the number of private cars carrying people to Tsim Sha Tsui every working-day is known. While the number may have increased over the years, it is nevertheless true that the pattern of traffic has not changed materially if at all, so that there has always been a demand for parking as near to the Ferry Concourse as commuters can get. Moreover, unless far more ambitious car-parks are built, particularly as regards their size and capacity, I fear that the problem will not ease, more so as Govern- ment's plans for the dispersal of traffic are not put into practice fast enough and on a scale that would improve the situation.