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Wednesday, February 14, 1973
Speaking on the same bill, the Hon. P.C. Woo called on the
Government to scrap as soon as possible the English-speaking requirement
for Urban Council members so as to enable people who speak only Chinese
to take part in the Council's affairs.
Mr. Woo, while welcoming the provisions contained in the Bill,
said it was unfortunate that the atmosphere of goodwill had been spoiled
at this particular time by the exclusion of certain candidates for the
coming Urban Council elections because of an inadequate standard of English.
He recalled the explanation given last month by the Colonial
Secretary that the English-speaking requirement had to be retained for
the time due to the shortage of qualified translators to translate the
large numbers of Urban Council papers which members were required to study.
"But I would urge Government to overcome this problem at the
earliest possible date," he stressed.
Mr. Woo noted that the Colonial Secretary had promised an amendment
to the language requirement and said he looked forward to the time when
this could come about.
LEGCO PROCEEDINGS ON TAPE
**
Note to Editors:
Proceedings in today's Legislative Council meeting
have been recorded. You are welcome to consult the tapes in the G.I.S. press room.
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