TNAG-0951-FCO40-1170-Policy-on-transport-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 3

transport complaints and how these might be meshed in with the proposed Committee. The TAC were also consulted about the timing, possible composition and arrangements for establishing the Committee. TAC advised that, as major transport developments (the opening of the various sections of the Modified Initial System of the MTR, the overhauling of bus services, etc,) had been about to come to fruition, the bringing in of a Complaints Committee should await some of these developments. As, however, from now on, fundamental improvements in public transport services can be expected, the way is clear for a Transport Complaints Committee to operate in a positive and constructive manner rather than facing from the outset a large volume of hostile criticism. It is proposed that the Chairman of the Complaints Committee should be an unofficial of some standing, who will also become a member of TAC. The new Committee's performance will be closely watched and, if any changes are required, particularly in its relationship to the TAC, Members will be further consulted.

Public Relations

7

It is not thought that the enlargement of TAC will produce wide- spread public reaction, but what there is is likely to favour the widening of unofficial representation. The establishment of a Transport Complaints Committee is likely to be widely welcomed, although it will be necessary to guard against this Committee being expected to be a panacea for all traffic and transport ills.

Advice Sought

8

Members will be asked to advise whether:

(a) the number of unofficial members of the Transport

Advisory Committee should be increased from five to eight, and

(b) unofficials should be appointed to the Committee

primarily for their knowledge of and/or interest in transport matters and not necessarily because they happen to be members of other bodies.

(The Secretary for the Environment (Mr D. J. C. JONES) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).

29th February 1980

(CR 246/65III)

COUNCIL CHAMBER

CONFIDENTIAL #