CO537-1651 — Page 161

(8) Functions of the Municipal Council (peragraph 31).

I agree with the recommendations in paragraphs 31 and 32 of

Sir Mark Young's despatch No, 145 regarding the functions to

be discharged by the Municipal Council, but the latter will

of course be expected to aut in conformity with any general

policy laid down by the Central Government particularly in

relation to such matters as Town Planning, Education and

Social Welfare, notwithstanding that they fall within the

defined functions of the Municipal Council. Much care will

need to be exercised in defining the exact functions and

responsibilities to be undertaken by the Municipal Council:

in particular the expression "Public Works" is very wide and

will need closer definition.

(3)

い

Appointment of a Commission to report on the measurec

necessary for the delegation of functions to the Municipal Council (paragraph 33).

I agree that a Commission should be appointed under the

Commissioners Powers Ordinance, 1886, to institute and conduct

I

an enquiry and to report on the measures necessary to effect

the delegation of functions to the Municipal Council.

further agree with Sir Mark Young's view that the appointment

of the Commission should be deferred until the Municipal Council

has been constitutod and Councillors have been elected and

appointed, so that the Commission may include Councillors amongst

its members.

I would suggest that the Commission should be asked to

report, inter alia, on the steps to be taken to avoid wasteful

duplication of services in the administration of the Colony's

urban and rural areas.

I should wish to be consulted on the Commission's

recommendations before any decisions are taken on them.

(i) Financial powers of the Municipal Council (paragraph 34)

I would ask that the Commission, when appointed, be reminded

Of