G.F. 316
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2
Also, in some districts, to have the number of elected members double the number of appointed members would result in a Board which was too large and unwieldy. In these cases, therefore, some slight reduction may be necessary in the number of appointed members. Let me make it quite clear, however, that the Government firmly believes that appointed members constitute an essential component of our system of participation in the process of government and that it should be retained.
6
The second conclusion is that insofar as some
districts (for example, Tsuen Wan) are large and complex conurbations it may be desirable in these districts to create Boards to serve smaller geographical areas. This possibility will be further examined.
7
The third conclusion is that, as District Boards. have already made an impact on the management of our densely populated urban areas, it is for consideration whether this urban management role should be developed. In addition, District Boards might be able to assist in the management and promotion of the use of facilities, other than specialist facilities, which have been provided for the benefit of local residents. Further examination will be given to these and other ideas which the Boards themselves have suggested, including the need to strengthen the links between District Boards and District Management Committees.
8
The fourth conclusion is that another, what one might call "regional" Council should be established, to cover the areas not under the aegis of the Urban Council. By 1991 there will be more people living north of the Kowloon foothills than there are in Kowloon. This shift of population to the new towns demonstrates the need for such an additional "regional" Council, with popular participation, to control the provision of those centrally administered services now provided by the New Territories Services Department. This new "regional" Council is also considered to be necessary because of the present anomalous situation whereby a wide range of services is provided to the public in the urban areas by the Urban Services Department under the direction of the Urban Council, but similar services are provided to the public in the New Territories by the NTSD under the direction of the central Government. The Urban Council system has been working well in the urban areas for several years and it is considered that a similar system should now be introduced to cover the rest of Hong Kong, where a large proportion of the community now resides: and an even larger proportion will reside as the years go by.
9
I should note here than, as regards the New Territories, the Heung Yee Kuk is a specially appointed statutory body res- ponsible for giving advice on matters relating to the New Territories as such, and no change in the role and responsibility
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