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delegations visited a number of science and history museums in North America, Japan and Europe to study planning, services and exhibits. These visits have served to crystallize our thinking and have provided a good deal of useful information to the History and Science Museums Planning Sub-Committee, which was set up during the year under the capable chairmanship of Mr. Lawrence FUNG, to plan and commission the new Museums of History and Science and Technology in close co-operation with the Project Board that has been established by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Secondly, I will say something about the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The present concert season of the Hong Kong Philharmonic marks the 10th Anniversary of the Orchestra as a professional body of musicians. Members have all received a copy of 'Celebration', the publication which marks the anniversary by looking back over the colourful history of music-making in Hong Kong and putting the present Orchestra into historical context. In looking at this history, it is clear that the Orchestra has now emerged as a major community asset and it ranks amongst the top three orchestras in the whole of Asia. This Council can take pride in the contribution it has made and continues to make to the Orchestra's development.
Last year alone, total audiences doubled to over 200,000. Ticket sales revenue also doubled, and from $1.5 million in the 82/3 season and $3.1 million in the 83/4 season, we confidently predict that by July 1985 the total revenue from ticket sales will reach $5 million in just one season. Ticket sales now account for over 20% of the Society's income as against less than 10% only two years ago. The Society has achieved these figures as a result partly of increased productivity and effective marketing, and partly with the availability of the Hong Kong Coliseum. The series of popular music concerts continues to attract enormous audiences, with 55,000 people attending the programme of music presented during the last year's Festival of Asian Arts.
At a time when the Council is experiencing financial difficulties and when the Government's declared policy is a return to balanced budgets, the Philharmonic Society is aware that it must expect to tighten its belt along with everyone else. However, the Society is concerned at the effect that this will have on all the performing companies in Hong Kong unless more development funding can be found in the near future from other sources. By 1988, the Cultural Services Department will take over the management of the new Concert Hall and the Lyric Theatre in the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Centre. Prior to that, new halls will open in Sha Tin and Tuen Mun. Our existing performing companies have not yet reached a stage in their development where they can adequately service these new venues. The Development Plan of the Philharmonic, which was circulated to all members in 1981, recognized the need for a phased expansion of the Orchestra so that it would be fully capable of servicing the new performing arts facilities. That Plan called for 96 musicians by 1985: presently there are 83 and there is no likelihood of further expansion for the time being. Yet, if the new venues are not to become white elephants,
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our present companies must be able to continue with their development. They must be able to continue their outreach programmes and so develop the new audiences which will be necessary to fill the new venues on a regular basis. And companies must be started if the hundred or more graduates from the Academy for Performing Arts each year are to be able to find employment here in Hong Kong after 1988. We trust that the Government is aware of these problems and of the serious consequences that will result if additional sources of funding do not become available.
And finally in closing, I would like to say a few words about the future of Hong Kong. I am amongst those who have great confidence in our future, before and after the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong.
The innovative idea of 'One Country, Two Systems' is one of the challenging goals the Agreement strives to achieve. Theoretically it can be done. In fact many conditions or prerequisites contributing to its successful implementation were laid down in detail in the Joint Declaration. However, one very important condition or framework remains to be worked out. And that is the ultimate form of Local Government which must be in place and working well before 1997 and which will continue smoothly beyond that date. I think this future form of Local Government will have to be as innovative as the 'One Country, Two Systems' concept. It will be something unique to Hong Kong capable of coping with the unique situation we are facing. One cannot hope to succeed by merely transplanting other systems or following other models. In trying to create this new system, we must take into account all the various factors and interests, both social and economical, internal as well as external, that contribute to the success of Hong Kong and bring about our very special, colourful and free lifestyle. And above all, we must keep in mind at all times the primary objective proclaimed by all, of maintaining, or better still, enhancing the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It is a formidable task and we have only a limited time to achieve it. But I have no doubt that with the right kind of leadership, good will and understanding from both the British and Chinese Governments, and a sensible and pragmatic approach from all responsible citizens, it can be done!
With these words, Mr. Chairman, I support the Motion.
Mr. Walter M. SULKE (in English):- Mr. Chairman, there are two reasons why we should all have beards, the first one is that we will look a little bit older and wiser, and the second one, I am afraid I cannot tell you in public.
The Council faces many urgent and immediate problems. Today I want to speak about three of these problems which I believe are of major importance to the population and this Council.
Let me start with what I consider to be one of the most serious problems Hong Kong faces, namely, Environmental Pollution. As you all know, for well