HC Deb 03 February 1966 vol 723 cc1259-60
3. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if she will make a statement on her visit to Hong Kong, indicating what interviews she had, and the resulting plans for the internal self-government of that area and for the better distribution of its trade with Great Britain, particularly with Scotland.

Mrs. White

During a week's visit I saw as much of the Colony and as many people as possible. Talks were held with the Governor, members of the Executive, Legislative and urban councils, representatives of industry and commerce and of other unofficial (including women's) organisations. There are no plans for internal self-government. Among the subjects discussed was possible extension of local government and also trade between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Hughes

Did my hon. Friend emphasise the importance of Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and other trade centres keeping a continuous flow of information between themselves and British trade enterprises and British chambers of commerce with a view to increasing the interchange of trade?

Mrs. White

That, of course, is highly desirable. My hon. Friend may know that a British Week is being held in Hong Kong in March which will provide an admirable opportunity for the exchange of information with commercial interests from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

15. Mr. Rankin

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if she will make a statement on her visit to Hong Kong, with special reference to the housing situation and water supply.

Mrs. White

While in Hong Kong I was much impressed with the progress made with housing in the last ten years. Many people are still living in unsatisfactory conditions, but the Hong Kong Government have set themselves a greatly increased housing target for the period up to 1974.

On a visit to the New Territories, I saw some of the construction work on the Plover Cove Scheme which will, on completion, treble Hong Kong's water storage capacity. This and other lesser works should enable increasing demand to be satisfied for some years ahead.

Mr. Rankin

While thanking my hon. Friend for that Answer, and recognising what the Hong Kong Government have done, is she aware that there are still 300,000 shack dwellers in Hong Kong with 40,000 persons living on top of other people's houses and with a water supply which is still inadequate? Did she ask the Hong Kong Government to speed up the remedial measures which they have said they are taking?

Mrs. White

I was satisfied that the Hong Kong Government have made tremendous efforts to deal with the enormous housing problem. The water supply was at one time the cause of great anxiety, but it has been very much improved and will be further improved in the ways I have suggested.