3
A
resolved.
But if it were decided to adopt a system of
election to the Legislature on some such alternative
basis as that proposed in paragraph 4 above, I feel that
it would be a matter of considerable importance that in
the management of Urban Council affairs the election of
members, which has, I understand; been in abeyance since
the last war, should be reintroduced and the number of
elected representatives possibly increased. I should also
like to see the franchise of the Urban Council extended to
include British subje cts even if they do not qualify under
the provisions of Section 3 of Ordinance No. 7 of 1935.
Further, I would urge that earlier steps than were contem-
شده
plated in your despatch should be taken to devolve on
the Urban Council to the greatest extent consistent with
the avoidance of overlapping and duplication, the real
responsibility for Urban affairs. If the basis for the
appointment of members of the Urban Council were suitably
widened, there might be advantage in associating that
Council with the process for the selection of members to the Legislative Council.
6.
I need hardly stress the fact that experience in
local government work of this kind affords the best possible
training for membership of the legislative body with its
wider responsibilities and I should hope that when replying
to this despatch you might be able to put forward construc-
tive proposals with the above objectives in view. So
much time has already elapsed between the publication of
the "Young Plan" and the detailed examination of the
proposals submitted by you in August, 1949, that I am
anxious that no undue further delay should be incurred,
more especially as the drafting work in connection with
any substantial amendment of the Constitution cannot be
undertaken in haste if it is to be done with the care
required in a matter of this importance.