BRIEF NO. 2
VISIT OF MINISTER OF STATE FOR COLONWEALTH AFTINGS
TO HONG KO
OCTOBER 1967
Local Government
The Report of tho Working Party on local government was published
early this year. Its terms of roference and recommendations are summe risód
in paragraphs 5-6 of Background Notes No.4. The intention was that
after a period of public consultation and commont the Government would
prepare a scheme of reorganisation (possibly in the form of draft
legislation).
2.
We recognise that in the disturbed conditions of recent months thero
has hardly been the opportunity or the right atmosphore for tackling domestic
problems of this naturo. We recognise also that there is general public
apathy on this issue. Nevertheless, there is a small but vocal minority
pressing for progress in this field. Not only would some early progrese
act as a safoty valve among this section of the community;
it would : 1so
help to meet Parliamentary criticism, much of it born of frustration at
our inability to show progross towards representative and responsible
institutions of Contral Government.
3. We are fully aware that there will be need to exercise great ceution:
in deciding how to extend the application of the electoral principle and
the allocation of functions and responsibilities to the new authorities. The important thing is to maintain a steady rate of progress towards the
establishmont and dovelopment of a new framework of local administration;
it is not necessary (or desirablo, in the special circumstances of Hong
It is, Kong), to show immediate, spectacular and, far-reaching results.
however, essential to show that progross is being made.
Hong Kong Department,
October, 1967.
COID!!TI AL
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