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projection, rewinding, and store-rooms, which of course have to conform to rigorous standards of fire-proofing, sound insulation, etc.
The Theatre, on the other hand, is well equipped for film projection and has already been used successfully for that purpose.
Mr. CHEONG-LEEN suggested that the west wall of the High Block should have a large outdoor mural applied to it. I understand that this would be completely out of harmony with the Architect's intentions, to which, I think, we must pay some regard. We are, of course, embarking here upon questions of aesthetics on which opinions may vary, but my own view is that the Architect's concept is the right one and that this blank wall makes a fine and effective contrast to the windowed facades facing south and north; attempts to apply purely decorative and non-functional features as afterthoughts would introduce elements which are out of harmony with the total architectural design.
(At this point Mr. CHEONG-LEEN interrupted)
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-On a point of order, it was not an after-thought, it was a very serious thought.
(The Chairman then continued)
There is the further consideration that the application of an effective mural to this huge facade would no doubt be very costly.
Dr. BELL referred to the system for booking seats for functions in the City Hall. I agree that the arrangements at present in force are not entirely satisfactory. The Manager, City Hall, is considering the question fully and hopes that it will be possible to effect definite improvements. The best solution may be for the booking of seats and the sale of tickets for functions in the Theatre and Concert Hall to be undertaken by City Hall staff. This was in fact mooted earlier during discussions on staff, but was deliberately deferred until experience in administering the City Hall gave a clearer picture of the needs. In the meantime, however, the Manager encourages all hirers to carry out their sale of tickets in the City Hall, if not in the box-offices which are limited in number, at least at tables in the main foyer. Several groups have made use of these facilities offered for the sale of tickets and probably this usage will increase as its convenience becomes evident, until such time as more effective permanent arrangements can be devised.
On Council matters, Mr. FUNG Hon-chu made several interesting comments. One suggestion was that we should invite and co-opt certain specialists or technicians from the public of Hong Kong to serve as additional members on our Select Committees, as Mr. FUNG felt that the Select Committees are sometimes handicapped by the inadequacy of highly specialized technical knowledge. On three of our Select Committees we already have outside members who are Government officers specially concerned with the work of these committees. Also on two of our committees, Environmental Hygiene and Food and Food Premises, where medical advice is of great importance, we are fortunate in that the four doctors on this Council are members of both these committees. However, if Mr. FUNG would care to expand on his proposals to me, I will be glad to look into the matter.
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Committees we already have outside members who are Government officers specially concerned with the work of these committees. Also on two of our committees, Environmental Hygiene and Food and Food Premises, where medical advice is of great importance, we are fortunate in that the four doctors on this Council are members of both these committees. However, if Mr. FUNG would care to expand on his proposals to me, I will be glad to look into the matter.
Mr. FUNG also called for a closer and better co-ordination between the Council and Government departments. He quoted one instance—the markets programme—where, he said, lack of co-ordination had impeded progress. The question of market construction has already been touched upon by my friend, the Director of Public Works. If Mr. FUNG would let me have details of further instances where lack of co-ordination is said to exist, I shall be happy to take them up with the departments concerned. I can assure him that I am most anxious to achieve maximum co-ordination with other Government departments in order to further the work of this Council.
Mr. FUNG also suggested that the Secretary should make a brief verbal report at the outset of select committee meetings of what has taken place and what progress has been made on matters discussed at the previous meeting. I will arrange for this to be done.
The question of malpractices and corruption was mentioned by more than one Member. Mr. Li Fook-shu suggested that a District Inspector should be subjected to frequent transfers and not allowed to stay too long in one district. Under present arrangements, Health Inspectors are changed from one district to another approximately every two years. I doubt whether more frequent transfers would serve any useful purpose.
An Inspector cannot get to know his district in less than several months and until he does so his work cannot reach the maximum efficiency. A system of, say, annual transfers would definitely cause interference with the smooth running of the department.
On the general question of corruption, I must repeat my belief, stated last year, that the great majority of Health Inspectors, and other departmental officers, are honest and conscientious. If corruption does exist in our large department, and I would certainly not be so naïve as to say that it does not, every effort must—and indeed will continue to—be made to stamp it out. The way to do this is not through vague, anonymous allegations, of which we receive quite a lot, but by the person who has definite knowledge of corruption coming forward with it and being prepared to give us the details. I would like to take this opportunity to urge members of the public to co-operate in this matter. I or any of my Assistant Directors would be happy to see them at any time, personally.
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