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DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG : ESSENTIAL FACTS
1. On 14 January 1981 the Hong Kong Government published a
White Paper on District Administration in Hong Kong for the
creation of District Boards throughout the Territory with part
of the membership being elected. FCO Ministers consulted.
Proposals endorsed by Executive and Legislative Councils. The
elections will be held in 1982.
2. In the New Territories, present District Advisory Boards
will be renamed District Boards and their members elected on a
constituency basis. Functions mainly advisory but including
responsibility for some environmental, recreational and cultural
matters. Similar District Boards being established in Urban Area
but terms of reference narrower to avoid impingeing on responsibilities
of the Urban Council. Those over 21 with 7 years' residence in Hong
Kong will be qualified to vote.
༣.
Consequential changes to Urban Council. Restricted franchise
as used for previous Urban Council elections broadened in line with
provisions for District Boards. Urban Council elections on a
constituency basis with Urban Area divided into 10 Districts,
5 containing one constituency and 5 containing 2. Each will return
one member to the Urban Council. Number of appointed members will
be increased to 15 to maintain parity with elected members. Seats
on District Boards will be reserved for both elected and appointed
Urban Councillors.
4. Any move to fuller 'democracy' (eg elections to Legislative
Council) would be resented by Chinese Government. Overall reaction
in Hong Kong favourable. Some elected Urban Councillors unhappy.
/Considerable
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