CO537-6046 — Page 41

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-

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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.