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HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
At the same time, a view has been formed in society that since the image of the two municipal councils has been damaged because of the recent incident of the central library and inconsistency in their ordinances, the two councils might as well be abolished altogether to remove the various problems inherent in them. Such a view is also the result of superficial and simplified arguments.
All these views are but responses which tend to be whimsical and immature. They are at variance with the proper approach of examination advocated by the Chief Executive, which was mentioned above and therefore do not deserve our support. I consider that whether they are the Constitutional Affairs Bureau in charge of the review or members of the different tiers of the structure of district organizations, both the official and civil parties should assume a stronger sense of responsibility as masters of our own and adopt an open mind as well as a pragmatic, scientific analytical approach in establishing a mode and system of operation that would ensure the healthy and long-term development of Hong Kong's district organizations for the well-being of the general public.
As for the recommendations of the DAB members of the Council, Ms. Carlye Tsui already put them forth and therefore, I will not repeat here. I only want to add that our recommendations are the result of in-depth, independent and scientific analysis. With these remarks, I support Mr. Joseph Chan's motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Ms. ADA WONG YING-KAY (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I support Mr. Joseph CHAN's motion raised today.
The motion has confirmed one very important point and that is, the review must be carried out from the bottom upwards. I hope that under the leadership of the Chairman, the review will be properly carried out.
In fact, this is by no means the first time the Government reviews the district administrative system. There was one as early as 1966 and since then a few more reviews have been made.
Back in 1966, the Government issued a report on the review of district administration. Drawing reference from the patterns of district administration of different countries, the report recommended that district councils similar to the British pattern be set up in Hong Kong. There should be four to six such bodies for the entire territory and some elected seats should be provided for to take over the functions of the Urban Councils. Under this pressure for reform, the former Chairman of the Urban Council, Mr. A de O Sales (who was not yet the Chairman then) set up several sub-committees immediately to conduct a detailed study of the terms of reference, finances, district delineation and organization that the Urban Council should have. A district administrative committee was also formed to formulate a programme for gradual expansion of the functions of the Urban Council, having regard to the conclusions of the
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