HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL-9th February 1972.
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Regarding the franchise, I believe that to arouse public interest in local affairs the enlargement of franchise is essential. Therefore, not only should the categories for qualifications be increased but additional voting stations should be established in the proper localities for the convenience of the residents of the area.
On Standing Orders I believe, subject to the provisions of the scope of the Urban Council, that the Urban Council should be allowed to make their own Standing Orders, just as commercial firms are allowed to make their own by-laws.
On the question of functions, it is noted that there has been no appreciable increase except for some new licensing duties which are environmental in character, such as liquor licensing, cinemas, bowling alleys, skating rinks, billiard saloons, barber shops and pingpong saloons.
However, in this connection I would take this opportunity to say that the Urban Council, notwithstanding the criticism made against it, has done well in the recreational and public amenities fields, especially in the establishment of playgrounds, improved markets and the cultural services. A fair achievement is made in health matters.
On cleansing, the Urban Council is faced with a shortage of personnel and I look forward to the day when the 4 anti-litter squads will soon be increased to 48 anti-litter squads.
It is in the field of finance that the White Paper on the Urban Council has made the most contribution. It is an essential feature that for organizations which spend money they must also receive their own revenue, thereby establishing a co-relation between revenue and expenditure. The attainment of substantial financial autonomy will be in a form of a separate rate to be given to the Council and will be offset by a corresponding reduction in the present general rate. It is to be recalled that the rate has a historial origin in being related to police and I believe it was originally 15% in most British adminis- tered territories. In fact in Chinese the general rate is called police tax. In Hong Kong an additional 2% is added for water, making a total general rate of 17%. This general rate is now empirical and it is logical that a rate could be related to urban services as well. As an additional measure of financial autonomy and discretion, the Council will be authorized to borrow from the public and a Govern- ment guarantee could be provided to meet capital expenditure.
On hawkers, it is in this field where the Urban Council is able to exercise the least control-this is because this involves a subject on which the heart clashes most with the head. It is hoped that a hard-headed decision will soon be made so that Hong Kong streets,