HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
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At the same time, I wish to add that the review of district organizations should not be restricted to one single aspect. It should not be limited to the Urban Council but should cover the feasibility of streamlining the bureaucratic structure as well. There are 16,000 people employed by the Urban Services Department while the number of staff of the Regional Services Department is 110,000. The merging of the two departments might minimize duplication of manpower, thereby reducing operational difficulties and bringing about maximum use of resources.
Mr. Chairman, in view of the extensive scope and strata involved, the review is by no means restricted to one single level. The relationship between the two Municipal Councils and their partnership with the District Boards should also be fully looked into. Accordingly, when the Urban Council examines its relationship with the Regional Council, it should ensure that two-way exchanges are made, so that a more specific and practicable option could be developed and presented to the Government.
Lastly, I wish to stress that the spirit of the review of district administration should be to streamline the bureaucratic structure while at the same time maintaining the existing democratic framework. In fulfilling their different commitments, both the Urban Council and the District Boards have made great contributions to society and therefore, in the course of review, consideration should be given to enabling them to give their best rather than minimizing their ability to contribute.
With these remarks, I support the motion.
MR. CHAN NOI-YUE (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, Ms. Chow has just spoken on the merging of the Provisional Urban Council and Provisional Regional Council (the two Municipal Councils). I consider the merging to be feasible. As to the merging of the two Municipal Councils and the District Boards, I consider that careful consideration should be made and no hasty action should be taken. The 2-tier system should be retained because the two Municipal Councils and District Boards are different in functions, powers, and organization.
Moreover, the Municipal Councils have a longer history than the District Boards, with the past and present members of the two councils making a lot of achievements such as the Hong Kong Coliseum, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Space Museum, and Hong Kong Cultural Centre built years ago, and various district markets, swimming pools, and museums recently completed. Indeed, public hygiene control as well as provision of cultural and recreational activities and various facilities mentioned above are all vital to the livelihood of the community.
On the other hand, although the District Boards are playing only an advisory role, they have made certain contributions to the fields of traffic measures, minor environmental improvement projects, public works, provision
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