HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 183 of 259
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
their next meal is coming from. The people of Hong Kong are one of the most industrious people of the world. Therefore, the economy of Hong Kong can stand these necessary legislations. I quite agree that it is no use for any people to have a welfare state and then think that it will work, if they themselves are not willing to give of their best. Hong Kong is perhaps not ready for all that is involved in the word "welfare state", but the State of Hong Kong must do very much more for its people in the next 5 years.
As regards the Reform Club's policy on local political reforms, we say:
(a) That there should be a partially elected Legislative Council so that the Unofficials on the Council do not all need to turn their heads and look to the Governor for direction. We say that this Urban Council has shown how an element of Elected Unofficials puts the Appointed Unofficials also on their toes and in the end they compete with the Elected Councillors to show that they are equally "go ahead" and equally capable of constructive criticisms;
(b) That the Executive Council, being in some ways the Governor's cabinet, should continue to be appointed not elected, but the Governor in practice should appoint a proportion of its members from the Elected Members of the Legislative and/or Urban Councils. We say that it is entirely wrong for any member of the Executive Council not also to be on one of these two Councils so that he is acquainted with the day-to-day life of the community and where he can be questioned about the Government policies.
(c) That as regards the Urban Council, there is no need to make any drastic changes, but the Urban Council shall become by stages an almost entirely elected body, that urban Hong Kong should be made into a Municipality and this Council to have considerably wider powers, especially over education, medical services, and traffic. We say also that this Council is the proper body to be invested with the co-ordinating powers at present given to the Housing Board.
(d) If, however, the Government here (and/or in the UK) insist on reforming at the so-called "local" Government level, then the Reform Club supports the principle in the proposed Urban Council Report on the Future Scope and Operation of the Urban Council, i.e., a two-tiered system of local Government with this Council made into the Greater Hong Kong Council and having direct access to His Excellency the Governor and to the Executive Council rather than channelling through the monster—the Colonial Secretariat, which you, Sir, mentioned yesterday as preparing for you the answer to one of the questions.
The Government's Working Party Report on Local Government Reform in effect would have this Council abolished and replaced only by a series of minor councils at District Level, with no real powers and everything again channelling through the Colonial Secretariat. In other words, a terrific extra administrative cost which must be borne by the taxpayers, to pay lip service only to that vital principle that the citizens of Hong Kong must take a greater part in Hong Kong affairs.
Finally, as I said to begin with, I will say also in ending. The Reform Club considers that the future of Hong Kong lies in its youth; they are the pillars of Hong Kong's future world. If they are corrupted, the pillars will crack and Hong Kong will eventually fall. If the youth are encouraged to love Hong Kong and realize anything to do with corruption is an evil that must be ruthlessly swept out, then Hong Kong's future is assured, and we can face the big warring powers with calm and build Hong Kong into a strong but neutral state. (Applause).
MR. SALES: --Sir, before I declare my intention as to whether I am for or against the motion proposed by Mr. Li Yiu-bor and seconded by Mr. Wilfred WONG, I would like to be assured by you, Sir, in the light of the remarks which Mr. BERNACCHI has made, that since you have convened this meeting, you have also secured a police permit to hold it. (Laughter).
CHAIRMAN: Sir, no permit has been obtained. (Laughter).
MR. SALES: --Sir, in that event, might I also conclude that you would be prepared to assume full responsibility for its illegality? (Laughter).
I am for this motion, Mr. Chairman. Before I speak on it, I am quite sure that the Appointed Members would like me to express publicly our appreciation of all the co-operation that your department has given us in the year which has just ended. We are particularly obliged to the Secretary for his courtesy at all times and also to all members of the staff who work on the Select Committees on which we serve. There is a growing co-operation between the Members of this Council and the Official Members heading the departments with which we are associated. The degree of co-operation depends largely on the extent to which these Heads of Departments appreciate the need for teamwork in order to advance the cause of the people of Hong Kong.
Sir, a few years ago, I called upon your predecessor to resign. I am not doing so today because I am hopeful that you might be inclined to submit your resignation by the 31st March. (Laughter). In any event, Sir, you know that I have always been against the fact that this Council should be chaired by an Official Member. My friend and colleague, Mr. Henry Hu, suggested that we should elect one. I believe,