【明報專訊】THE public consultation on land supply is to end next Wednesday. Looking back at the big debate over the past five months, people from all walks of life have significantly increased their understanding of the land problem. The public is in general aware that the shortage of land must be tackled without further delay. However, the shortage is being underestimated by some people. According to government documents, there will be a shortage of at least 1,200 hectares of land over the next 30 years. However, the estimate is so conservative that it can almost be described as unrealistic. On the one hand, the aspiration for improvement in living space has not been taken into account; on the other hand, the increasing demand for elderly homes and health facilities for the ageing population has also been ignored. If the need for elderly care is taken into consideration, the shortfall may be double the original estimate. To prevent the public from having a false impression, thereby underestimating the problem, the government should look into the situation of land shortage again and provide the public with an accurate picture of the real needs.