Page 8 Thursday, October 14, 1971 HONGKONG STANDARD
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The 'test paper is presented
ALTHOUGH there may be dissatisfaction over the White Paper on Urban Council reform which was tabled at yesterday's Legislative Council meeting, there are some redeeming aspects which do not make the presentation a totally unacceptable one.
It is true that Government has dilly-dallied over the issue for a number of years and had to put up with tremendous pressure for reforms which were so badly needed to give the Council a more meaningful existence and above all, a chance to be more representative and with wider powers.
There are to be 24 Unofficial members with a chairman of their own choice and they will run the Council after Official members are with- drawn. The Council will be given a substantial degree of financial autonomy with the power to raise a rate of its own. Subject to the approval of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council, the Urban Council will also be given an initial grant on a once-for-all basis to spend as it pleases. This grant will be additional to the funds which the Council will receive from its rate.
The proposed arrangements, if adopted, will not come into effect before April, 1973.
Its functions will embrace health, recreation, entertainment and cultural services.
Quite obviously, the White Paper is in effect a "test paper" to discover how the Council will operate within the framework of the new set-up. Of course, particular attention will be paid to how the Council carries its own responsibilities, particularly to those relating to finance.
The White Paper makes it clear that the stature of the Council will not be frozen. There will be a re-shaping of it in the sense that additional powers will be given to it after it is firmly established.
The Government, it appears, desires to see a Council that can live up to its new image and gradually expand its powers in a cautious manner. Although this may draw sharp criticism from some councillors, it would possibly be better for all concerned to accept a step-by-step procedure instead of rushing into things.
It is not intended to convey the impression that councillors do not have the capacity to handle new responsibilities. The wheels of bureaucracy move with a slowness that is frustrating. This could affect public interest in the Council and its work. But it is a challenge which the new Council must accept. It is a test of patience and a test of strength. Above all, it is a challenge to conclusively prove that the Council has the stamina and mettle to accept bigger responsibilities in the future, which surely must come. The Council cannot afford to fail.
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