§ 4. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consult the Government of Hong Kong in order to expedite the laying of a pipeline from the mainland to Hong Kong island so that the periodic shortages in the water supply may be prevented.
§ Mrs. WhiteThe Lantau pipeline completed last year has much improved the water supply to Hong Kong Island. Under the vast Plover Cove scheme, an additional pipeline will link the island with the mainland, but we are advised by the Hong Kong Government that this part of the scheme will not be completed until 1968.
§ Mr. RankinI welcome that reply as far as it goes, but is my hon. Friend 524 aware that when I was in Hong Kong in 1956 this deficiency was very serious indeed and Hong Kong was importing water from China? Is she further aware that in August this year, even with the pipeline, the shortage of water was still serious, despite the improvement which she has indicated? Would my hon. Friend consider paying a visit to Hong Kong to see some of these serious problems at first hand and also perhaps to help to stimulate the Government to greater activity?
§ Mrs. WhiteA number of schemes for improving local resources are being carried out in addition to the Plover Cove scheme, and the new agreement with China to provide an additional 10,000 million gallons per annum from the Chinese mainland will come into effect on 1st March. I should be most happy to visit Hong Kong at any time my official duties permitted.
§ 22. Sir W. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is now the position with regard to the daily supply of water in Hong Kong to private residents and to hotels; and whether, in view of the adverse publicity this has been given throughout the world, which has harmed the tourist trade, he will give the present situation the fullest publicity internationally and so help Hong Kong's tourist industry.
§ Mrs. WhiteThe Hong Kong Government announced on 20th January that the present 24-hour water supply will be maintained until next May when the summer rains may normally be expected to commence.
The Hong Kong Government have given the widest publicity to the present situation and to the measures which are being taken to improve the Colony's water supply.
I understand that the tourist traffic to Hong Kong increased by 26 per cent. in 1964.
§ Sir W. TeelingDoes the hon. Lady realise that, although the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) was not able to get a bath last August, things are now perfectly all right.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. Do I infer from what the hon. Gentleman said that he is making a personal accusation against me? Is that in order?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is no good asking me what the hon. Member infers. It appeared to me that it was an expression of sympathy.
§ Mrs. WhiteIn any event, I should like to confirm what the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Sir W. Teeling) said. The situation is now very much improved.