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1. VED N REGISTRY NA51
- 7 NOV 1972
تو
HONG AGO UKBAN COUNCIL
11/7/72137
(12) MR. HENRY H. L. Hu asked the following question:
We have heard a lot of talk about the self-finance of the Council. What progress has now been made? When is the target likely to be attained?
THE CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, replied as follows:-
This question refers to the White Paper on the future of the Urban Council which contains proposals for the grant of a substantial measure of financial autonomy to this Council.
A great deal of preparatory work has already been done by a Working Party consisting of representatives of the Colonial Secretariat, the Legal Department and the Urban Services Department with the assistance of the Treasury, the Audit and other departments. This includes work on admin- istrative and financial procedures, and the drafting of necessary legislation. The financial aspects of the White Paper, in particular, are complex and require detailed consideration. The indications are, however, that by the end of August, it may be possible to put to this Council for discussion the first of a series of papers dealing with different aspects of the White Paper.
In the White Paper it is proposed that the new arrangements should come into effect on 1st April, 1973 and this is still the target date.
MR. HU: Mr. Chairman, may I ask one supplementary? You say that the paper will be ready with different aspects of the White Paper. What are those different aspects. Would you care to tell us?
CHAIRMAN:-In addition to financing, there are public works, accounting, electoral and licensing problems to be considered.
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, can I assume from the answer given that you personally are satisfied at the rate of progress achieved so far.
CHAIRMAN:-Reasonably satisfied.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-In other words, Mr. Chairman, you are also reasonably satisfied that by April 1st, 1973, the new arrangements can and will come into effect.
Chairman:~As things go at present, yes, Mr. Chrono-LBBn,
Mr. ForsgatE:-Mr. Chairman, could I, as a member of the Committee principally concerned, ask you to expedite efforts behind
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