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closely examined. No decision on the Report has yet been taken. As you, Sir, will be aware, however, the Provisional Register for the March 1965 Election has by law to be declared open for public inspection no later than the 1st October prior to such an election. Aside from this statutory requirement, the physical jobs of checking and printing the Final Register demand that this time-table be adhered to rigidly.
While, therefore, the Select Committee recommended that its proposals be implemented for the next Urban Council Election, I understand that their submission less than three months before the Register had to be compiled and made open for public inspection left insufficient time for such proposals to be given the detailed consideration they deserved prior to taking a decision upon them, let alone, assuming approval, time to make the necessary amendments to the legislation, and recruit the additional staff needed to implement them.
MR. BERNACCHI :- Mr. Chairman, are you aware that the Commissioner of Registration informed the Select Committee concerned that he had sufficient staff to cope with these recommendations and that was the reason why these recommendations were made and not further recommendations involving additions to staff that could not be obtained in time?
CHAIRMAN :- As you are aware, Sir, I was not a member of the Select Committee which considered this matter. I am, however, willing to accept your statement that the Commissioner did make such a statement to you.
MR. BERNACCHI :- The Interim Report was laid on the table, if I remember, on the first Tuesday of July's public meeting of the Urban Council, was it not?
CHAIRMAN : The paper referred to was laid on the table at the meeting on 7th July, 1964.
MR. BERNACCHI :- I would inquire when it was forwarded to His Excellency the Governor in Council?
CHAIRMAN : -Sir, the report was forwarded under cover of a memorandum signed by myself to the Colonial Secretary, in the normal way, on 8th July, 1964.
MR. BERNACCHI :- Has Government considered the passing of a simple amendment to the Urban Council Ordinance to get over the rigid time-table that you referred to in your answer, Sir?
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CHAIRMAN :- I regret, Sir, that I cannot answer your question. I am not aware of the answer.
MR. BERNACCHI :- You said, Sir, that the Interim Report has been submitted to His Excellency the Governor who has directed that it should be closely examined. If he eventually approves of it, do you consider, Sir, that it would be practicable for an amendment to the Ordinance to be passed getting over the difficulty that you have referred to in your answer?
CHAIRMAN :- Sir, I regret that I cannot express an opinion on the matter, but if there are any representations which you wish me to make to the Colonial Secretary, I shall certainly make them.
MR. BERNACCHI :- The Interim Report was submitted, as you say, to the Colonial Secretary on 8th July. Are there any reasons why Government has not been able to make up its mind (I am not referring to His Excellency the Governor, I am referring to Government) on so simple a suggestion within three months?
CHAIRMAN : ----Sir, I regret that I have nothing to add to the reply already given. Such reasons as there may be, are included in the reply.
MR. BERNACCHI :- Is it Government's intention, and by saying that I do not wish to imply any individual from His Excellency the Governor downwards, to insult this Council by failing to reach a decision on so simple a matter within a period of three months?
CHAIRMAN : ---Sir, I can assure you that there is no question of Government wishing to insult this Council, for which, I am sure, it has a high regard.
(3) MR. B. A. BERNACCHI asked the following question:
Has the Chairman considered requesting the Armed Services to help with transport, bulldozers, angle dozers and other equipment in the urban areas after typhoons, particularly in view of Hong Kong's increased contribution to London for the Forces?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
The question of assistance by the Armed Services has not been considered, as far as I am aware, in regard to clearing refuse and debris from the streets after a typhoon.
In the event of a disaster or emergency the Army is ready to give assistance, including transport and equipment, where
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