1969 — Page 154

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in these we are essentially very much part-time planners working within limited scope and areas of responsibilities. The overall planning for housing seems to be vested in the Housing Board, a worthy body, but I suggest, in the main, suffering from the same deficiencies as all part-time planners. Is not the time ripe, possibly over-ripe, for a different approach? Let us invite planning consultants from outside to have a good hard look at this problem, and evolve a plan of action for the future, as Government did in obtaining Consultants to advise on the Long-Term Road Study, the Mass Transport Scheme and on our Water Supplies. To these three add Housing, possibly now the most urgent of all. An unbiased Consultant without an axe to grind, or empires to build or preserve, would take a dispassionate view of the conflicting interests and demands and lick the whole sprawling mass of housing responsibility into a more streamlined shape, and advise us on the course we should take in pursuit of an improved housing development policy for the Seventies. I am sure the money would be well spent.

While Mr. SALES and Mr. Wilson WANG have dealt so effectively with the demands for more open space in the Urban Areas to improve recreational amenities for our growing population, I should like to add my pleas to that of the S.C.M.P. of the 22nd October, when that paper made a bid for Government to recognize the urgency of formulating a policy on Conservation. Where is the Report of the Provisional Council for the Use and Conservation of the Countryside, made in 1968? Will Government kindly shake off the cobwebs that must have gathered thereon, and let it (the report, I mean) see the light of day, so that all interested in this vital topic, our rapidly diminishing precious countryside, can have their say.

I heartily support the Museums and Art Galleries Select Committee's efforts to obtain a building of its own, worthy of the collections which I understand cannot see the light of day for lack of a proper home. Provided this is not at the expense of the Cricket Club, who actively display an important part of our heritage, even though the game itself may not be to everyone's taste!

There is apparently space for a free-standing building in the northwest part of the City Hall area, and I suggest such a building deserves special, and possibly more expensive treatment than given to other Government buildings. Internal ramps to preserve the continuity of vision between floors for example. These would also alleviate the grievous lift disease that seems to affect all Government designed buildings and especially the City Hall tall block.

Being on neither the Hawker nor Markets Select Committees, I sympathize with the complex and human problems posed, but both are in the main, bound together by strong economic links. In those areas where the hawker provides a service to the community in the absence of markets, we are on a sticky wicket, but provide the community with adequate, well-planned markets, and the hawker problem as an expanding nuisance, is bound for economic reasons to wither away. Always provided, of course, our "new look" Hawker Select Committee, and the revitalized Hawker Control Force receive and retain the consistent support of this Council in the execution of agreed policies.

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markets, we are on a sticky wicket, but provide the community with adequate, well-planned markets, and the hawker problem as an expanding nuisance, is bound for economic reasons to wither away. Always provided, of course, our "new look" Hawker Select Committee, and the revitalized Hawker Control Force receive and retain the consistent support of this Council in the execution of agreed policies.

There is one common denominator running through all our attempts to improve this Hong Kong of ours, namely Transport, or as some wag has put it, lack of transport, at the right place and the right time, at the right price.

Roads reaching saturation point at peak periods preclude the indiscriminate provision of buses, mini or otherwise. Our housing policy is already bedevilled with transport considerations, and will get worse as we endeavour to spread the populace more thinly. The Mass Transport Survey Report suggested a solution in the underground railway. Perhaps the D.P.W. could be persuaded to unseal his lips during this annual breach of Urban Council conventions, and tell us what plans he has for the future movement of our masses.

At the same time, Mr. Chairman, can I persuade you to ask the Commissioner for Transport if the newly licensed Public Light Buses acquired a divine right, along with their licence, to hog the roads at all times, drive as though all the banshees in Tam O'Shanter were on their tail, and completely ignore normal parking and other road usage conventions? To be specific, Jordan Road at night becomes a Public Light Bus free-for-all, and more considerate road users have to literally fight their way through. I am sure other Members could add to this tale of woe. The Commissioner for Transport and Government uncorked this genii. Either he puts it back in the bottle, or gets it under control.

Also, on the subject of driving, Mr. Chairman, would you enquire whether drivers, once licensed, are ever required to take a simple eyesight test to ensure they should either be wearing glasses, or not wearing at all. Myopia on the roads seems to be a congenital Hong Kong defect.

Since the 19th October, when the clock was retarded one hour, many people have complained of the loss of this useful hour for after-work recreation. What are the pros and cons of this bi-annual fiddling with the clock? It can't be the farmers—we don't have enough of these. It's certainly not Government servants, who don't start before 9 a.m., and anyway would probably appreciate the hour being left on the clocks. Mid October to mid January is the most delightful climatic conditions weather wise of the year to enjoy the outdoors. Maybe it's a matter of habit, or the chap who makes this decision prefers indoor sports? Could this be examined again please?

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