CONFIDENTIAL
MR ROYLE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG:
11-15 NOVEMBER 1972
URBAN COUNCIL REFORM
29
BRIEF NO 5
NXX 3/548/4
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Part(s)
1. The Hong Kong Government's proposals for the reform of the
Urban Council, which were the outcome of some five years'
deliberation, were published as a White Paper in October 1971.
The Paper made proposals for putting an end to the long debate
on the proper areas of activity for the Urban Council and sought
to make that decision more palatable to the councillors and the
public by giving the Council more autonomy, both financial and
otherwise, within its proper sphere. In general, the aim is to
reduce possible areas of friction between the Government and the
Urban Council and to give the latter the maximum discretion in
planning and executing their activities.
2. The White Paper was supported by an overwhelming majority of
unofficial members in Legislative Council as being in general a
practical proposition under Hong Kong's present economic and
political atmosphere. Its proposals were accepted on 1 March
1972 with one exception, which was dropped because of criticism
by all interested parties. This was the proposal that in future
the Urban Council's Standing Orders should be subject to
Legislative Council's approval.
3. The date for the implementation of the proposals and the
setting up of the 'new' Council is April 1973.
CONFIDENTIAL
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