CO537-2188 — Page 179

that the Legislature should delegate certain of its

powers to the Municipal Council, to be exercised by

that Council.

4. I have referred above to my statement in the House

of Commons on the 5th March, in which I announced my

acceptance of the recommendations in paragraphs 43 to 45

of Sir Mark Young's despatch for a modification of the

constitution of the Legislative Council. These changes

will achieve a more direct and proportionately increased

unofficial representation on the Legislative Council.

Together with the Municipality proposals they constitute a most welcome step in the direction of sound constitutional

advance.

5. I accept without comment the proposals and

recommendations in paragraphs 27, 32 and 39 of Sir Mark

Young's despatch No.145.

6. In paragraph 46 of that despatch, Sir Mark Young requested authority to proceed forthwith with all detailed

preparations, including the drafting of the necessary

legislation, to give effect to his proposals and recommendations.

In conveying to you this authority, subject to the

comments in paragraph 4 above, I desire to say that

I appreciate that much work will be involved in the preparations for the institution of Municipal Government and the revision of the present constitution of the Legislative Council. Should you come to the conclusion that additional staff is required over and above the

appointment of a Town Clerk, to avoid diverting your existing staff from the immediate and urgent problems

of rehabilitation and development, I trust you will

not hesitate to raise the matter with me.

7. I have already intimated to Sir Mark Young that

I am deeply sensible that it is in large measure due to his inspiration, and to the energy with which he has pursued this matter since his return to Hong Kong, that it

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