TNAG-0316-FCO40-352-Reform-of-local-government-of-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 87

CONFIDENTIAL

7. Indeed, despite the fact that the Urban Council is the only

elective body in Hong Kong with executive functions, it is not

regarded locally as a genuine local Government body so much as

a functional authority statutorily charged with specific

responsibilities. But the fact that a substantial number of

its members (10) are elected, encourages the Council to air

its views on matters outside its province. The central

Government (the Legislative Council in particular) undoubtedly

finds this irksome and the Governor's proposals are accordingly

aimed at defining the Council's functions and responsibilities

with a view to confining its activities within its proper

sphere; and at removing all Official Members from the Council

so that the Unofficial Members will be discouraged from trying

to score debating points against Government departments generally

and will be publicly seen to be responsible for success or failure

in the fulfilment of their duties.

document.

8. The individual proposals are described in paragraph 8 of

the memorandum and are summarised in paragraph 15 of the same

To put them in their briefest form, they envisage:

(i) A clear definition of the Council's functions on

broad lines (paragraph 8(a)). This proposal should

be read in conjunction with (ix) below.

(ii) The addition of a few new licensing functions to the

Council's responsibilities

(paragraph 8(b)).

otherwise no change

(iii) No change in the title, franchise or geographical

scope of the Council (paragraph 8 (o) and (e);

paragraph 12(d)).

3.

CONFIDENTIAL

/(iv)