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problems in establishment or organizational structure arise in the implementation of Five-Year Plans and the Department has difficulties in overcoming them, for example in cases of special problems as put forward by Ms. Ada Wong, we will have to stand by our targets and commission a consultancy firm for a review of the problem in hand. That is what I call 'value for money'. That is why I am moving this amendment and I hope to have your support. Thank you, Mr Chairman.
MR. WEN CHOY-BON (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese): The original motion as well as the amendments have been moved. It is now time for the floor. I will follow the order of those who have indicated their wishes to speak. First of all, allow me to speak on behalf of the Chairman of the Urban Council Dr. LEUNG who is at present away. He has asked me to read out his speech as follows.
I would like to give my opinions in regard to the original motion by Mr. CHAN Choi-hi and the amendments by Ms. Ada WONG and Mr. Lam Man-fai.
The three motions are mainly about the review of establishment and organizational structure of the Department. They only differ in details of implementation. Mr. Chan Choi-hi's motion asks that an overall review of the establishment and organizational structure of the Department be conducted and that a consultancy firm be engaged to give assistance so as to enhance the Department's operational efficiency and optimize the use of resources for implementation of future plans of various Select Committees.
Ms. Ada WONG's amendment asks that the Council should also take into consideration demands for manpower resources arising from the Statement of Aims and Five-Year Plans of various Select Committees and therefore appoint an independent consultancy firm to review the establishment and organizational structure of the Department.
As for Mr. LAM Man-fai's amendment, it urges the Department to review its establishment and organizational structure systematically while adequately consulting the relevant Select Committees and if necessary, the Council may consider appointing a consultancy firm to give assistance.
Concerning these three motions, I have seven points to make.
1. Concerning the review, I support it in principle, but I have to emphasize that the review must be conducted on a regular and continuous basis because only by doing so are we able to ensure that the Department's establishment and organizational structure will cope with the actual need. I don't think a one-off review will lead to a permanent solution to the actual problem.
2. All along, the Department has been accountable to the Administration Select Committee in conducting reviews concerning its establishment
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