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provision of public services and priorities for new services.
They also have the power to dispose of funds (approximately $30
million in 1982/3) on local public works, community activities
and minor environmental improvements.
9.
e
The Heung Yee Kuk is a statutory advisory body for the New Territories. It comprises of the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen
of the 27 Rural Committees in the New Territories, plus some special members elected by those. The Chairmen and
Vice-Chairmen of Rural Committees are elected by the Village
representatives in the area covered by the Committee; these
representatives are themselves elected by villagers who can
Living trace their descent from families baing in the New Territories
at the time of the British takeover in 1898. The Kuk is
therefore representative of the traditional New Territories, and
more influential in the rural areas than in the developing new
towns. It has a particular interest in land policy, and often
considers itself to have a special relationship with the Chinese authorities on the grounds that New Territories is only leased
from China.
the
VISIT TO CLOSED CAMP AND OPEN CENTRE FOR REFUGEES
10.
See Brief No. 6.
LUNCH WITH BRITISH BUSINESSMEN
11.
This will be a small occasion at the home of the Senior
British Trade Commissioner. Lord Belstead will not be expected to make a speech, but a brief speaking note is at Annex C. The
businessmen are likely to question Lord Belstead closely on the
future (see Brief No. 2). See also Brief No. 9 on commercial
opportunities.
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