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13.
The proposal that some of the services of the
Recreation and Culture Department should be brought under the
two regional councils has been welcomed. The district services
can readily be transferred. Central services such as liaison
with the Amateur Sports Associations will be kept separate.
The Council for Recreation and Sport and the Council for
Performing Arts will remain in being to advise on matters within
their terms of reference for the whole of Hong Kong.
14.
To provide the necessary executive support for the
Urban Council and the new Regional Council the present
Urban Services Department and Recreation and Culture Departmet
will be formed into two new departments each headed by a
Chief Executive one servicing the Urban Council and one the
Regional Council. There will also be a new Secretary
probably to be known as the Secretary for Municipal Services -
who will have policy responsibility for environmental hygiene
matters, and cultural and recreational services, and who will
exercise a coordinating function to encourage cooperation,
consistency and the best use of resources between the two departments
and the two Councils.
as a bridge between the Central
He will act as
Government and the two regional councils. There will also be
some consequential adjustments to the schedules of
responsibilities of some other Secretaries. The detailed financial
and staffing implications are being worked out and will be put
to Finance Committee as soon as possible.