TNAG-0735-FCO40-939-Policy-objective-for-the-developing-of-Hong-Kong-in-the-1980-1978 — Page 55

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of cultural programmes, visits of world-class orchestras and other performers. For all these reasons, I agree with Mr. Alex that there is, as always, room for improvement. I shall therefore be happy to give further consideration to his proposal concerning the establishment of an Arts Council. development of cultural and leisure activities is such a wide and varied field and there is so much still to be done that there is surely room for all to help and participate. Me all, after all, share a common aim.

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Sir, several members spoke on communications between the Government and the public. The establishment and maintenance of effective channels is a problematic task which faces all administrators everywhere, always. Government recognises that, in the special circumstances of Hong Kong, the development of these communication channels is particularly important and accordingly has put much time and effort into this area of activity. Nevertheless it is one in which there can be no complacency, in this field there is always room for improvement. Indeed, an important and continuing task must be to keep our performance under review: constantly to seek and to implement ways of improving our present system so that we may achieve greater understanding of the needs and rightful aspirations of our community, in order that these may be properly gauged and taken into account before decisions vitally affecting the community's well-being, are taken. It is important that we not only are, but are seen to be, a Government which cares. I am leased that Miss Lydia Tunn agrees that our present system of advisory bodies is one of the more effective and imaginative systems of government and suited to our own special political circumstances. One of our tasks in the ensuing months, in fact, will be to strengthen this system. We must seek to widen representation on our advisory committees,

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to bring more people into the decision-making process; and, as Fr. Kayson Huang suggests, try to involve more members of the

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