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suppressing democracy. The Council had elected representatives and appointed members but the latter had more influence. Councillors had been appointed to LEGCO but their main characteristic was that they agreed with the Governor. Would this situation continue?
6. Miss Yeung said that local councils had much greater powers in the UK. When would the Hong Kong Urban Council have the powers of a local council in Britain? For example, local councils in Britain had a say in education; but not in Hong Kong.
7. Mr Tsin said he had four points: The public should have access to Civil Servants under the existing consultation machinery. Secondly, Civil Servants should have better access to Government housing allowances. At the moment only the lower paid Civil Servants had such access. Thirdly there should be more directly elected Councillors in Hong Kong. Fourthly, Mr Blaker should liaise with the people of Hong Kong, and not rely on the Governor and his immediate advisers.
8. Dr Cham asked about capital punishment. The present position in Hong Kong was that it was provided for in statute but never carried out. Dr Cham also asked about the price of land. The Hong Kong Government was the largest single land owner in the Colony, and should be able to control and stabilize the price.
9. Mr Lau complained about restrictions on textile exports from Hong Hong. This was a vital industry.
10. Mr Young said that 60% of the public of Hong Kong lived in private sector housing and some people paid over 50% of their income to put a roof over their heads. There was deplorable land speculation in Hong Kong.
11.
Mr Cheung said that there was a communications gap between the Governor and the people. The many petitions he received were evidence of this. The Governor chose to rely on a small group of intellectuals for advice.
12. Mr Hilton Cheong-Leen asked that the number of elected members should be increased by two at the next elections in 1981. The franchise for those elections should be widened to include
Category 24. This would have the effect of allowing all those people born in Hong Kong aged over 21 to vote.
13. Mr Cheung said that visiting MPs from Britain usually spent one hour or less with the Urban Council, but the Urban Council took the lead in a number of important matters in Hong Kong, particularly cultural and leisure activities. MPs should allow more time for discussion with the Council on their visits.
14. Miss Tam suggested that the Hong Kong Government should appoint an Ombudsman.
15. Mr Blaker said that he had taken note of the points raised
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