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ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):—Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order. Before taking the first item on the agenda, I would like to congratulate our Vice Chairman, Mr. H. M. G. FOSGATE, on being awarded the C.B.E. (applause). I would also like to congratulate Dr. Ronald LEUNG on being appointed Justice of the Peace (applause).
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 1985, were confirmed.
STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):—
Urban Council supports International Youth Year
With this year's summer holidays about to begin for our more than one million youths, I would like to say a few words about young people, the future leaders of Hong Kong.
Progressive city administrations world-wide recognize that money spent now on education, training and the provision of cultural and recreational activities for the younger generation will pay rich dividends in the future. This is very much the view and policy of the Urban Council.
Unfortunately, some city authorities fail to do enough to create incentives that capture the imagination, talent and initiative of young minds. As a result, a number of young people have no sense of direction and develop negative attitudes towards the community's stability and prosperity.
Some youngsters even resort to violence to give vent to their frustration and energies, thus undermining law and order within the community.
Here in Hong Kong we are fortunate to have a Government Administration that cares about young people. We are farsighted enough to realize that tomorrow's responsible and active citizens begin training in the schools, the universities and polytechnics. This is fostered even further by respect for and having a happy family life.
The Urban Council, in carrying out its long-term and challenging task of building a better, happier and healthier life for the people, is particularly mindful of the needs of young people.
Since the early 1970s, the Council has developed ambitious targets to provide recreation, sports and culture within the reach of the man in the street, especially for young people, as well as raising the general standards of such activities.
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Today, the vast majority of our young people are hard-working, dedicated and law-abiding. They take a healthy interest in what is going on around them, and are more actively involved in cultural and recreational activities, and in community service as well.
It is therefore only natural for the Urban Council to play an active role in promoting International Youth Year, the theme of which is 'Participation, Development and Peace'. I urge our young people to carry through this theme not only this year, but throughout the rest of their lives.
Select Committee Meetings Open to Public
To date, the Liquor Licensing Board and the Markets and Street Traders Review Sub-Committee are holding their meetings in public as part of the Urban Council's ongoing process towards more open government, and they will shortly be joined by the Libraries Select Committee. I am sure that other Select Committees will be reviewing as time goes on whether or not they should hold meetings in public in the light of facilities available and other relevant factors.
Basic Law
Last month China announced the names of the Basic Law Drafting Committee, of whom 23 are from Hong Kong.
The 23 representatives from Hong Kong have a heavy task, which is to fully and truly reflect the wishes and concerns of Hong Kong people in the drafting of the Basic Law.
I urge all Urban Councillors not to overlook this important subject, and to make their views known to the Hong Kong representatives.
The considered views of Council Members could also be made the subject of a Motion in this Council at an appropriate date.
Meantime, having due regard to Hong Kong's continued stability and prosperity, it is to the vital interests of Hong Kong people that as much as possible of the discussions of the Basic Law Drafting Committee be disclosed for public information. Such approach should assist the Hong Kong Group in the Drafting Committee to better consult the Hong Kong community and further strengthen local confidence in our long-term future.
Relations with District Board and Regional Council
The Urban Council dinner reception for all urban District Board Chairmen held on 2 July 1985 was a memorable and successful event. Although it was a social occasion, it was an opportunity for urban area District Board Chairmen to exchange views with Urban Councillors on matters concerning culture and recreation, public hygiene, hawkers, etc.
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