The primary objective of the Government's lands policy is to facilitate Hong Kong's continual development through a steady and sufficient supply of land, effective planning and use of land, and efficient registration of land.

    With effect from July 1, 2002, the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works is responsible for the delivery of public works projects in a cost-effective manner, the formulation of policies on slope safety, water supply, flood control and construction site safety. She also oversees, and has policy responsibility for, the activities of the seven Works Departments — Architectural Services Department, Civil Engineering Department, Drainage Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Highways Department, Territory Development Department and Water Supplies Department. In addition, she oversees the operation of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund.

    The Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, supported by the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Planning and Lands), oversees the operation of four departments, namely, Buildings Department, Lands Department, Planning Department and Land Registry. He also oversees part of the work of the Civil Engineering Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and Territory Development Department.

    The Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Planning and Lands) is chairman of both the Committee on Planning and Land Development (CPLD) and the Town Planning Board (TPB). The CPLD is responsible for considering and endorsing land use plans and major development proposals. The TPB is a statutory body, established under the Town Planning Ordinance, responsible for making town plans, and considering planning applications for individual projects in Hong Kong.