§ Squadron-Leader Donnerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many, or what percentage, of the houses in Hong Kong were destroyed and/or seriously damaged; and whether he will state what measures are in hand to improve the situation;
(2) what is the estimate of the material damage at Hong Kong caused by the Japanese attack and occupation; what relief measures have been taken; and will he make a statement regarding the Government's rehabilitation plans and a rough estimate of their cost.
§ Mr. LawsonI have been asked to reply. I am unable to give details of either material damage or housing in Hong Kong at present, and it will be some time before the surveys necessary to furnish such information will have been completed. As regards relief measures, the Military authorities are responsible for the provision of consumer goods of all kinds for the population up to a minimum standard, which is adequate to cover relief needs.
As regards rehabilitation, an estimate of the renewals and replacements required for transport, communications, and other public services in the Colony over the first two years of liberation was prepared prior to the Japanese surrender. This estimate is now being reviewed in the light of the surveys and will undoubtedly be substantially reduced, as the territory has fortunately escaped the 1293W damage, which it was necessary to assume would be inflicted in the course of military operations to liberate the territory.