HC Deb 29 April 1976 vol 910 cc156-7W
Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to open up the countryside and the beaches of Hong Kong to the maximum number of its inhabitants.

Mr. Rowlands

About 100 square miles of scenic countryside have already been opened up to public use for pick-nicking, camping, and so on. Plans are in hand to make about another 100 square miles available for recreational use. Thirty-seven beaches are provided with public facilities which are continually being improved.

Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give figures to show the extent to which hospitals and clinic services in Hong Kong have increased over the last five years.

Mr. Rowlands

Two Government and three Government-assisted hospitals were completed, providing an additional 2,484 beds, thus increasing the ratio of all hospital beds to 4.3 per 1,000 population. Seven Government clinics were built during the same period, bringing the total to 51, and another clinic is nearing completion.

Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to encourage British firms to invest in Hong Kong.

Mr. Rowlands

The Hong Kong Government welcomes all investment in Hong Kong by outside firms. I understand that they would particularly welcome more investment by British firms.