25.
In my address last year, I said that arrangements for local administration should be examined to ensure that
they remained suited to Hong Kong's changing needs and circumstances. The proposals which emerged from that review gave rise to extensive and lively public debate. After careful consideration of all the views expressed, it was decided that the representative status of the Boards should be further strengthened by increasing the number of elected
members; that separate District Boards should be created for Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung/Tsing Yi; that the urban management role of the District Boards should be expanded; and that a new Regional Council should be established to cover those areas outside the aegis of the Urban Council.
26.
(ii) Regional Council
The proposed Regional Council aroused some controversy. But it became evident that the people in the
areas concerned preferred to have their own Council. They wished to participate directly in the running of the services and facilities that, in the urban areas, are operated by the
Urban Council. Your Government supported this view, and next year a Provisional Council will be appointed to prepare for
the establishment of an elected Council in 1986.
27.
(iii) Elections
The District Board elections to be held on 7 March
1985 will open a new chapter in the history of local administration. Government representatives will cease to be
members of the Board but will continue to attend meetings to answer questions and receive advice; the number of elected
members will be increased from 132 to 236 and will constitute
the majority on the Boards; the chairman of each Board will be an elected unofficial; the New Territories District Boards
/will