.1
$19.
I do not wish to speak at length on technical education at this
annual conventional debate because I know that Government has belatedly
wakened up to the fact that we are behind in the training and provision
However, better late than never !
of technical workers.
20.
From time to time in the past, it has been claimed that we do
not have sufficient funds to invest more money into the long-term planning
and expansion of educational services. On the other hand, I have heard it
said time and again that we in Hong Kong are so rich that we do not need
any outside assistance or aid in any of our economic or social developmental
projects, and that it is strange why in view of our affluence we do not yet
have a nine year compulsory education system.
21
7
In order that we can have a nine year compulsory education system
by 1975, as well as progressively introduce social security for Hong Kong's
working population, it is necessary that there should be elected representa-
tion in the Legislative Council, which is responsible for deciding how much
taxes should be imposed, and how such taxes should be spent for the benefit
of the people of Hong Kong.
22.
•
3.
Lord Shepherd stated recently that the United Kingdom Government
will not allow direct elections to the Legislative Council in the near
future. I would urge, therefore, that in order that the people of Hong
Kong can have wider representation in the Legislative Council, that the
Urban Council nominate two elected members to be appointed by the Governor
to sit on the Legislative Couno il.
23.
This is the most urgent reform that has to take place if we are
to bring enough pressure to bear on Hong Kong's colonial government to
provide a better education system as well as progressive social security
for Hong Kong's working population.
。
Page
1
5
age 9
24.
The appointed mo-bers of the Executive and Legislative Councils
are individually capable, responsible and even dedicated to their duties.
However, since they are all appointed by the Governor as individuals, the
Executive and Legislative Councils can only be regarded as advisory bodies
to the Colonial Government. As such, these two Councils, as they are
presently constituted, do not sufficiently represent the aspirations and
needs of the people of Hong Kong, particularly our young people, as required
in this age of space exploration and dynamic change.
25.
Whilst other reforms such as an Ombudsman system and expansion
of the scope of the Urban Council are important, they are of secondary
importance when compared to the overriding need to have elected representa-
tion in the Legislative Council, which is responsible for the laws which
govern the lives of Hong Kong people, the taxes which are collected, and
the manner in which such taxes are used to lift up the living standards
and quality of life of the people.
26.
If our young people are to have unity of purpose and dedication
to Hong Kong, they must acquire a sense of identity and belonging to Hong
Kong. A sense of identity in practical terms, means greater participation
in the government, in Legislative and Executive Councils, in an expanded
Urban Council, and in community affairs at the district level. Our existing
colonial-type political institutions will have to be modernised in keeping
with the pace of economic and social change of Hong Kong in the 1970's.
27.
The true wealth of a community lies in its men, women and young
people the better the quality, the richer the community. This cells for
a higher educational standard and a Hong Kong Identity through more
participation in Hong Kong affairs by Hong Kong people, especially within
the Legislative Council.
28.
Mr. Chairman, I support the Motion and endorse the Statement of
Aims for 1970.
Page
age 9
VISIT GA MAUTY UNDER-JECKSTARY OF STATE
(FERN ILLIS MONSON)
TO HCMM LO13. OCTOB K. 1969
CONNIFITUTIONEL MASTERS
Note No. 3
kuch thought has been given since 1962 te ways of improving the representative character of the administration. In Hong Kong's special position it is not possible to think of normal self-government in terms of an elected Legislative Council. The possibi
The possibilities under consideration have been:
(a) The »nlargement of the Unofficial Klement in the
Legidature
The 1964 increase in membership gave unofficials a majority, but not sentrol because of the Governor'a original and casting vote. If official control of the Legislature is to be maintained (as we think it must given China's attitude to constitutional advance) any further increase in unofficial representation is limited by the possibility for pari passu increase in the official membership.
(b) Broadening the Basis of Selection of Unottisial
The possibilities of broadening representation in the Legislature are strictly limited. In recent
selections the Governor has cast his net a little
wider and has appointed a woman to the Legislature
for the first time. It is inherent in the nomination
system that the Governor should make appointments from people who have made their mark in the community; these are people from industry, commerce and the professions. If he were to appoint comparative nonentities to handle the affairs of the community, the process of selection would have a random and arbitrary nature that would satisfy nobody. Because of the cleavage in the Trade Unions (between Communist
/ and
PA
ANG 吣
30.9.69.
COMPIDENTIAL
15
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