(b) The "Ward System" of the Urban Council Whereby members of
that Council set aside specified periods during which they
receive complaints from members of the public.
(c) The City District Officer Scheme This has been in operation
since the beginning of 1968. The Scheme has proved very
popular and is providing a useful avenue for the ventilation
of grievances. A report on the first year's operation of the
Scheme has recently been received and I have arranged for
copies of it to be placed in the Library of the House.
Elected Representation on the Central Councils of Government
13.
It has already been stated in the House on several occasions
that because of Hong Kong's special position, constitutional
development towards self-government is not possible. There is
nothing to add to that statement.
4. Even the introduction of a small number of elected
representatives into Government is not regarded as a possible
development in the circumstances of Hong Kong. The possibility
of nominating certain Members of the Legislative Council from
among the elected members of local Government bodies has been
considered but the introduction of an elected element by whatever
means could give rise to serious difficulties.
Review of Scope and Functions of Boards and Advisory Bodies
5. There are many boards and advisory bodies in Hong Kong, the
membership of which is drawn from the general public. A review
of the scope and terms of reference of these bodies is now being
undertaken with a view to giving greater opportunity for the
views of the general public to be expressed and taken into account
in the formulation of Government policies.
/ Attitude