§ 26. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the housing shortage in Hong Kong, what proposals he has made to the Chinese Republican Government to acquire more land on the mainland for the purpose of building houses to relieve the shortage.
§ Mr. ProfumoNone, Sir.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister aware that the housing situation in Hong Kong is now of such a nature that it is impossible to solve it within the confines of the existing territory, and does he not realise that new territory must be found somewhere, somehow, in order to reach a solution of the problem? Would he not reconsider this matter?
§ Mr. ProfumoNo, Sir; housing is required near places of employment, and the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman would not in any way relieve the shortage of money and staff, which are themselves serious obstacles to progress in overcoming the housing shortage.
§ Mr. RankinBut surely in many of our schemes here we are taking industry to the houses in our new housing areas? Is it not possible to follow that practice in our housing development in Hong Kong?
§ Mr. ProfumoI think that the Hong Kong Government are resettling about 40,000 people a year.
§ Mr. RankinThat is not enough.