TNAG-0201-FCO40-237-Local-government-reforms-1969 — Page 49

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G.F. 323

1.

CONFIDENTIAL

П.. Спакувана

An interesting conticbution. Lose

Note by the Secretary for Home Affairs

MINOR CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES IN HONG KONG

THE URBAN COUNCIL AND OTHER POSSIBILITIES

K271

27/6

R&R pl.

The object of this paper is to discuss changes in the structure of government that have been proposed at various times

in recent years and to question the premises upon which such

proposals appear to be founded. It offers also a possible frame-

work of policy which could be used for guidance in the future

and within which a considerable variety of development could be

accommodated without endangering the political stability of the

Colony.

2.

ANG

3√)6.

Two basic propositions should be set down at the outset for although they are often ignored they seem to be almost self evident.

a)

b)

The Hong Kong administration is compact and sophisticated and no significant regionalisation

of administration can take place without serious

loss of efficiency and economy.

Such steps as have been or are now contemplated

for changing the structure of the government

give more and more political importance to the

Urban Council which, if the process is continued,

must develop into a political rival of the

central government authorities.

The Functional Organisation of Government

3.

The Working Party Report on Local Administration advocated anything from four to nine local councils each staffed with its own little Secretariat (with a Chief Administrative Officer and

a Treasurer) and up to six departments. No new administrative

RECEIVED IN

REGISTRY No.51

30 JUN 1969

HKKL 18/12

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