HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 2nd October 1969.
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it is important that all new recruits should undertake this course before assignment to various posts. As an internal measure, heads of depart- ments should see that their all-important front line men have sufficient knowledge and experience of the general affairs of their departments so as to be able to deal with the public more efficiently. Also a suitable branch of the Colonial Secretariat should be given this specific task of reviewing and watching the situation in a supervisory capacity. Prevention is certainly better than cure!
Another proposal worth pursuing, I suggest, is to improve the environment of the reception halls and the waiting areas of every Government office. These need not be too lavish, but at least they should be comfortable and attractive. One further step would be to provide, where possible, in the reception areas and at the counters, clerical service to help in the filling out of forms whenever this is required.
It is appreciated that the above suggestions, if implemented, would entail a certain amount of additional manpower and finance. But I am sure that taxpayers would not think that money so spent would be wasted.
I cannot conclude without making one further reference to the CDO in their achievements to bridge the gap between Government and the people. With the experience they have so far attained, I am con- vinced that these officers can surely make a valuable contribution towards improving Government's public relations generally. They should be co-opted and their advice be obtained on this most important task.
Sir, with these remarks, I support the motion before the Council.
MR G. M. B. SALMON: -Your Excellency, I would like to make my main subject the port of Hong Kong which, as has been said so many times, is the centre of the Colony's whole economy; because without an efficient port we cannot have the efficient shipping services that are so vital for the trade by which we live. Here I would pay tribute to the Marine Department for their highly professional administration of the port which has done much to enable the shipping industry to serve the merchant and manufacturer in working cargo in and out within a reasonably fast turn round. Were it not for the advent of containerization, on which I want to say something in a moment, we would I suggest be having to consider seriously new facilities and new methods because our present, and indeed traditional, ways and means of handling cargo are becoming outdated.
The majority of ships are now arriving and departing through Lei Yue Mun Pass. But with the airport getting busier and the first Jumbo