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MR. PETER C. K. CHAN (in English):—I think I did try but was not successful. I think Denny can be my witness that I tried. But anyway it doesn't really matter now. What I want to say has already been very fully said by all my learned colleagues. May I now move under Standing Order 20, Section 16(j) that the question be now put. That's the question of Mr. T. S. Lo's closure motion that the matter be referred to the Standing Committee of the Whole Council because it is quite fully discussed.
CHAIRMAN (in English):—I have already explained that it is my intention to deal with it under Standing Order 17 and, therefore, under Standing Order 19 I rule that every other Member who has not spoken will be given the floor to speak and, after that, Mr. BERNACCHI will be invited to exercise his right of reply. Does any other Member wish to speak? No, then is it your wish that I ask Mr. BERNACCHI to exercise his right of reply?
MR. BERNACCHI (in English):—Mr. Chairman. I will not be long. First of all, to deal with Miss Ko's speech. I welcome all institutions that co-operate in this urgent matter, the youth require it and, in my opinion, it is not for any one body to say that they can manage it to the exclusion of all other departments or bodies. As regards Mr. T. S. Lo's remarks and his motion to refer the matter to the Standing Committee, I consider that it is the Libraries Select Committee's privilege to have the matter referred to the Libraries Select Committee if they so want. Mrs. Elsie ELLIOTT, the Chairman of the Libraries Select Committee has seconded Dr. HUANG's proposal that it be referred back to them to consider. And for my part, I have no objection to that. I shall, therefore, vote against Mr. T. S. Lo's motion to have it referred to the Standing Committee of the Whole at the present time, at least before the Libraries Select Committee have had the opportunity of commenting and considering the motion in its present form. As the Chairman, if Mrs. ELLIOTT wants it to be referred back to that Committee, I have no objection, so that from the point of view of voting, I shall vote "against" the first motion, but "for" the second motion, referring it to the Libraries Select Committee. I think the rest of the speakers merely underline the points that had already been made.
CHAIRMAN (in English):—Now to vote on the motion to refer Mr. BERNACCHI'S motion to the Standing Committee of the Whole Council, as proposed by Mr. T. S. Lo, seconded by Miss Ko Siu-wah. All those in favour. Please raise your hands. Will the Secretary please count? 11 "for". Now, all those against? 8 "against". Carried. So the motion is referred to the Standing Committee of the Whole Council.
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MRS. E. ELLIOTT (in English):—Can I have a clarification. Is that a vote of no-confidence in Libraries Select Committee?
CHAIRMAN (in English):—That doesn't arise. The question is not in order.
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—A point of clarification. Mr. Chairman. Did you not say a little earlier that should the Standing Committee so wish it could at any time refer back the subject of discussion to the Libraries Select Committee?
CHAIRMAN (in English):—I so confirm. Now before we adjourn, I would like to report to Council formally that our incumbent Secretary, Mr. Hector Ross, is returning to the Government. Mr. Ross has been with us since August last year and is now leaving us after having rendered good, courteous and diligent service to the Council. So I know it is your wish to tell Mr. Ross that he takes away with him our best wishes for a full measure of success and happiness in his new post.
ADJOURNMENT—5.14 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English):—Council stands adjourned until 9th July, 1974, at 4.00 p.m.
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