Mixed
reactions
to White Paper
Mixed reactions came from Unofficial Urban Councillors on local government reforms contained in a White Paper which was tabled at the Legislative Council yesterday.
The grant of financial autonomy was hailed by many Councillors who, at the same time, felt disappointed that the Council's scope was not ex- tended.
Two appointed members completely agreed with the document. And one noted that the White Paper could even serve as a guideline for the Council for the next ten years.
Several Councillors were concerned over the early withdrawal of the Official members, who could be a handy group to answer questions readily.
The Senior Appointed Councillor, Mr A. de O, Sales, described the White Paper as a step forward.
But he predicted it was bound to cause some disappointment and give rise to wide differences of opinion.
"If so, Government has at least shown its hand. The public knows what the position is and can then form opinions on what to do.
"Government has adopted some recommendations made by the Council and left open its position on other Council proposals, perhaps for a later stage of development," he added.
But Mr Brook Bernacchi, QC, was disappointed with the White Paper because "Government has rejected most of our recommendations."
"I only hope that the new Governor will revise the status of the Council to make it a people's council," he pleaded.
Mr Bernacchi, however, was pleased that the Paper had recommended financial autonomy for the Council.
(Contd on Back Page, col7)