HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 2nd October 1969.
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perform the function for which they are built, ie traffic. It is in the best interest of all concerned that street hawkers selling foodstuff be redirected into industries where there are jobs waiting for them.
(g) Multi-storey buildings
Since 1961, I have advocated in the Urban Council the enact- ment of legislation for multi-storey buildings. As multi- storey buildings are going to be a characteristic of Hong Kong as we can only go upwards in the urban areas it is extremely important that the Multi-storey Building (Owners Incorpora- tion) Bill be introduced as soon as possible. Many opinions have been expressed and with a few exceptions, they are generally favourable to the bill. It will be a test when the building owners and their occupants understand the basic and civic appreciation of harmonious living together under hygienic conditions. If the new bill and the proposed subsequent Crown Rent and Premium (Apportionment) Bill and Crown Rights (Re-entry and Vesting Remedies) Bill fail to achieve their objectives a more comprehensive formula may be devised by government to ensure the maintenance of hygienic condi- tions in the public areas of multi-storey buildings.
(h) Ombudsman
I am, on balance, inclined towards an ombudsman for Hong Kong. It does not take a political scientist to understand that power tends to corrupt. The power given to the administrative officers under the statutory authority is all pervading and even the best of persons could overact. As Hong Kong has no political parties or official opposition the ombudsman system is singularly appropriate for a check and balance to the administration which in spite of its high record can still make mistakes. I appreciate the reference to the work of the UMELCO office. However, there are two points which I should like to raise. The first one is that for the purpose of redress people have the impression however wrongly, that the UMELCO office is too much with the government. And the second point is that the ombudsman is presumably empowered by statutory authority to requisition files whereas UMELCO Members can only request informa- tion about them. On the qualifications of an ombudsman, I would not advocate any limitation of professions other than that of individual merit. However, I personally believe a distinguished ex-civil servant endowed with a great reservoir of sympathy and breadth of vision would best fulfil the functions of an ombudsman for Hong Kong.