XN000022-1973-02-14 — Page 14

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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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