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CHAIRMAN: ---Obviously they didn't Dr. BELL, they must have made some assessment. Obviously not all persons will qualify under all 7 categories listed there.
assessment or
DR. BELL: -Well, Mr. Chairman, this estimate could I ask you is it in any way accurate?
this
CHAIRMAN: -One cannot say if it is inaccurate; it's the best they can do in the present circumstances, I fear, Dr. BELL.
DR. BELL: Then Mr. Chairman, may I express dissatisfaction with this through you, and may I point out that it is possible that on their figures that they are wasting money, wasting time and wasting effort. May I ask you to suggest that these names which they are given through these departments that you have mentioned; from the Defence Force, the Auxiliary Services, the Treasury, Agriculture and Fisheries and so on, all that you've listed; barristers, solicitors and doctors, that their names should be put automatically upon the electoral roll thereby establishing exactly how many people are entitled to vote and involving very much less expense. Perhaps if somebody objects sufficiently strongly their name can be removed if that person writes in and asks that it should be.
CHAIRMAN: -I must rule this question out of order, Dr. BELL, as it's an entirely new matter within the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Registration, not this Council.
DR. BELL: -Mr. Chairman, thank you--you have ruled it out of order, but could you at the same time (laughter)-note my out of order question, and have it put to the Commissioner of Registration?
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: -Mr. Chairman, if you have no objection could--
DR. BELL: Could you answer my question please, Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN: -I can point out to the Commissioner of Registration that this question has been raised.
DR. BELL: -Thank you Sir.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: --Mr. Chairman, if you have no objection, could this matter be referred to the Standing Order Select Committee since it could conceivably be within the jurisdiction of that Select Committee?
CHAIRMAN: -No, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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MR. CHEONG-LEEN: -Mr. Chairman, could that could the subject matter be referred to the Standing Orders in any case?
CHAIRMAN: --What I have already arranged, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, is for the Commissioner of Registration and the Deputy Director of Information Services to come and explain what has happened already and put you in the picture on how things are going in the question of registration.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: -On the other hand, Mr. Chairman, you have ruled this question to be out of order, but could your ruling in any case be referred to the Standing Orders Select Committee?
CHAIRMAN: -No, I will not refer the matter to the Standing Orders Select Committee, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, but I am quite prepared to bring these gentlemen to put you in the picture on a matter in which you have a very genuine interest. It is-
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: -Mr. Chairman, with due respect this is a humble request from a Member of the Council and I would be grateful if you could refer this to the Standing Orders Select Committee?
CHAIRMAN: --No, this is not within the jurisdiction of this Council -the electoral register.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: · Mr. Chairman, the subject as to whether your ruling is in order or not, I believe that is what I am referring to and with your permission I would repeat my request.
MR. BERNACCHI: -Mr. Chairman---
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:
Mr. Chairman, could I—
MR. BERNACCHI: —I was trying to explain (laughter)—
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:
do accept his explanation.
your question
-Mr. BERNACCHI is quite presumptuous, but I
MR. BERNACCHI: -I have-
MR. SALES- Could we have the assurance that Mr. CHEONG-LEEN has not suggested that Mr. BERNACCHI should take the chair-(laughter) -assuming the functions of the Chairman of the Council?
MR. BERNACCHI: -But I do assume the functions of the position of oldest surviving Unofficial and in that role—(laughter).
MR. SALES: Surely the casualty rate amongst Unofficials is not that high (laughter).
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