New Licensing Duties:
(b).
This
paragraph lists the additional
functions to be given to the Council.
These additions are few in number and
of no great import. We had been
hoping that the Governor would find it
possible to give the Council additional
functions sufficient to generate a
sense of responsibility, but these
proposals are unlikely to achieve that
object, especially when compared with
the additional powers sought by the
Council itself (see sub-paragraph c).
Finance: (f). This sub-paragraph
contains by far the most important
of the proposals and the matter is
pelt
spelled out in greater detail in
paragraph 9 of the memorandum.
The
effect would be to place upon the Council
(which would consist entirely of
Unofficial Members) the onus of
raising any funds required for new
functions by additional rates to be
imposed by the Council or (so far as
capital expenditure is concerned, by
raising loans on the open market).
This approach presents the best hope
of making the Council more responsible
and more efficient.
Use of Cantonese: (h).
This
proposal should be generally welcomed
in the light of the current campaign
to extend the use of Chinese in official
business.
Franchise: (9. We are in general
agreement with the Governor's proposal
that the franchise should remain as it
- 6-
/is.
Z
I
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN