Page 112 of 241
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
about matters which have to do with the expansion of the Urban Council scope, as recommended in the Urban Council's March 1969 report?
CHAIRMAN:-I take it, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, that you haven't read the Governor's speech in the Legislative Council?
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, I have read it several times and that is why I am pointedly asking you the question.
CHAIRMAN:-I have nothing to add to what I have already said.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Are you satisfied then that I have read the Governor's statement?
CHAIRMAN:—I take your word for it.
MR. C. K. CHAN:-Mr. Chairman, since your answer has not quoted the rest of the Governor's speech, I should simply say, at this stage, the changes which you have in mind relate primarily to the composition of the Council, as well as to its financial arrangements. Can I take it to mean that the Governor only considers the financial arrangements and its composition, not the scope?
CHAIRMAN:—Your question is, strictly speaking, out of order, Mr. CHAN. We have replied to the question as it was put to us—when a decision on this matter can be expected, and (as we have explained) why there has been a delay.
MR. C. K. CHAN:-Yes—well, the delay in considering the composition and financial arrangements, but the question also asked about the future scope of this Council.
CHAIRMAN:—But again, I can only quote what you yourself have quoted from the Governor's speech.
MR. C. K. CHAN:-Would you be kind enough to approach the Government to get a clarification whether they are considering anything besides what is mentioned by the Governor, His Excellency the Governor, about the composition and financial arrangements, besides these two points.
CHAIRMAN: I can only press them for an early decision on the recommendations of this Council.
MR. SALES—Sir, arising out of your reply, is it your intention when you take part in this debate, in a day or two's time, that you will make strong representations on behalf of the Council following on the discussions which have taken place today?
CHAIRMAN:—I can rule that out of order as well, Mr. SALES.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. SALES:—Mr. Chairman, really we are only asking for clarification. You may recall I asked you to put some fire into your speech, but you very politely declined. (Laughter).
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Following on Mr. SALES' supplementary, will you be speaking at the Legislative Council debate on behalf of the Unofficial Members of this Council, or on behalf of this Council?
CHAIRMAN:-I attend Legislative Council in a personal capacity.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, at the same time, strictly for clarification, since you also are Chairman of the Urban Council and also Director of Urban Services, don't you think that you do have a certain moral responsibility to put across the views of the Members of this Council when you speak at the Legislative Council debate?
CHAIRMAN:-Not necessarily, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, does that imply then that you do not have any views or regard for the very strongly held views of the Members of this Council, particularly the Unofficial Members?
CHAIRMAN:—Indeed I do, and I press them at every opportunity.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Thank you, Sir, and I hope that you can do that at the Legislative Council debate.
MR. BLAKER:-Mr. Chairman, is it not a fact that you occupy that seat in Legislative Council because you are Chairman of the Urban Council?
CHAIRMAN: Not necessarily.
MR. SALES:—Mr. Chairman, may I suggest that you compromise: that in your speech you could quote the opinions of the Members by saying Dr. Denny HUANG said this, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN said that. (Laughter).
(8) MR. PETER P. F. CHAN asked the following question:-
In view of the very heavy demand on lecture rooms in the City Hall, could consideration be given to including additional rooms in any future extension which might be made in the City Hall?
MR. A. de O. SALES, CHAIRMAN OF THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows:-
Sir, this question asks whether in view of the very heavy demand on lecture rooms consideration could be given to including additional lecture rooms in any future extension which might be made to the City Hall.
205
241