Page 49 of 185
90
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
extremely low unemployment rate, ever-improving environmental hygiene, ever-increasing municipal and recreational facilities and the rising standard of living. All these reflect that the existing system is successful. So the authorities concerned should not indiscreetly make meaningless changes to the existing successful system and not be influenced by the views of careerists who are dissatisfied with the present state and fail to appreciate the happy life they are now enjoying while only having the aim of scrambling for power and profit.
Mr. Chairman, with these words, I support your motion.
CHAIRMAN (in English): Does anyone who has not spoken wish to speak? If not, I mention that Mr. PAO Ping-wing who is on leave and has asked his speech to be tabled and formed part of proceeding today (appendix A).
I now exercise my right of reply to the motion but I am sure it will be very short.
I congratulate colleagues on well-considered, rational, amazing and really quite interesting speeches and it certainly reflects the Council's view that Chapter III of the Green Paper certainly seems to be aimed at reducing the efficiency and cohesiveness of the Urban Council. Also has been emphasized by many Members that since the DBS were established in 1982-83, the Urban Council has made every effort to listen to the advice and discuss with District Boards matters concerning their districts. Notwithstanding complaints still come from some of these Members that they are not being consulted. However, one suspects that much of the complaint is for effect.
Members have pointed out that this is a working Council with a great deal to do, with a large number of responsibilities, all of which it takes very seriously. Our meetings are not political talk shops; our Members do care for the general public who they represent; and many of us, in fact all of us, are irritated that the authors of this Green Paper have not given the Council due credit.
We will be having a second debate on the constitutional aspects of the Green Paper in September, at this stage I feel that pointing to the Urban Council as a way forward in political development is no more than a smoke screen to detract people's attention from the more fundamental issues concerning the legislature. This Council may not have the same power as the legislature but it is a Council that has come of age and deals with its duties in a very responsible manner.
Many Members of the Council feel that the motive behind the suggestion of indirect election to this Council is one method to satisfy the apparent desire of some District Board Members for some executive authority, although our contacts seem to indicate that perhaps not all the DB Members are as anxious to have their Members elected to the Urban Council as the Green Paper attempts to persuade.
Our Working Party under the chairmanship of Mr. Stephen LAU will prepare a consolidated position paper on Chapter III of the Green Paper for Council
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 49 of 185
91
approval, which will be sent to the Government, and of course the Survey Office, by mid-September. Likewise, copies of the relevant points from Member speeches today will be forwarded to the appropriate authority.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT 4.50 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English): That concludes the business of today's meeting and I wish those of you who are going on holiday, a pleasant and refreshing rest. I leave you in the very competent hands of our Vice-Chairman. The Council stands adjourned until Tuesday, 8 September 1987 at 2.30 p.m.
Urban Council Monthly Meeting on 14 July 1987 Debate on Chapter III of the Green Paper:
The 1987 Review of Developments in Representative Government Speech by Mr. PAO Ping-wing, J.P.
Appendix A
Mr. Chairman, I would like to say a few words on some of the points raised in Chapter III The District Boards and the Municipal Councils of the Green Paper: The 1987 Review of Developments in Representative Government.
1. Role of District Boards
I agree that there should not be any major changes in the present role of District Boards. But I think their role in advising on central Government policies should be further strengthened and communication with District Management Committees improved.
2. Composition of District Boards
Urban Councillors should continue to sit on District Boards. This not only allows direct and active communication between District Boards and the Urban Council, but also makes possible a more effective and expeditious coordination between municipal work and government policies so as to meet district needs.
3. Relationship with the urban District Boards and Size of the Urban Council
There should not be any changes for the time being in the number of appointed and elected members on the Council and their proportions. In agreeing that consideration should be given to further improving communication and cooperation between the Urban Council and the urban District Boards, I firmly believe proper adjustments in administrative procedures are sufficient to achieve this aim. There is no need for changes in the present system.