XN000022-1973-02-14 — Page 13

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Wednesday, February 14, 1973

UNOFFICIALS SUPPORT URBAN COUNCIL BILL

More Powers For Council Welcomed

The Hon. Wilfred Wong today welcomed the Urban Council Bill 1973

which provides for the reconstitution of the Urban Council with a substantial

degree of financial autonomy,

Speaking in the resumed debate on the bill in the Legislative

Council this afternoon, Mr. Wong said that he was pleased that "the

Urban Council would be able to exercise more powers and perform further

duties."

He described as "most significant" a provision contained in the

Bill which gives the Council virtual financial autonomy.

This means that the Council will, in future, prepare its own budget

and thus will have closer coordination between estimates and expenditure.

Mr. Wong said it was noteworthy that in future a member of the

Urban Council would be required to declare his pecuniary interest in any

proposed contract or other matter under consideration.

This is in line with the requirements for the members of other

councils," he said.

Another improvement in the bill, he added, was that the Urban

Council standing orders would no longer be subject to approval by the

Legislative Council.

/Speaking