§ 58. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is now the estimated squatter population of Hong Kong; what is the estimated number of new arrivals in the period January to March; how many housing units have been provided during the past five years and how many are in course of construction; and what is the total cost involved in the task of providing proper accommodation for the squatters.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydA rough estimate of the number of squatters now in Hong Kong is 120,000. Separate figures are not kept for persons returning to Hong Kong and those arriving for the first time but in all some 149,000 arrived in the period January to March. During the same period 153,000 persons left the Colony. 27,000 homes have been provided during the past five years and approval has been given for building another 12,500, nearly all of which should be finished by about May, 1956. Capital expenditure so far incurred or planned is about 50 million Hong Kong dollars. In addition there is heavy recurrent expenditure.