TNAG-1283-FCO40-1635-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 39

G.F. 316

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of the Kuk is proposed. Moreover, in recognition of the Kuk's traditional position, it is proposed that a number of the

officers of the Kuk should be ex-officio members of this new Council.

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As regards the Urban Council it is not considered desirable nor is it intended to extend its powers to cover the rest of Hong Kong, because of existing institutions and because the Urban Council would thus become too large and unwieldy.

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The functions of the new "regional" Council will

be similar to those of the Urban Council in respect of environmental public health and sanitation and hygiene services. So far as recreation and cultural and amenities services are concerned, the functions of the Urban Council and the new "regional" Council will include the provision of most of those services now provided by the Recreation and Culture Department. Our aim is to ensure that these services are provided in the most efficient and effective manner.

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With regard to the actual geographical areas of responsibility of the two Councils that would be created if these proposals are implemented, it is for consideration whether, for example, the new town being built at Junk Bay, which is virtually an extension of New Kowloon, should be included in the jurisdiction of the present Urban Council. Similarly, administration of the islands to the south and west of Hong Kong Island might be more conveniently combined with that of Hong Kong Island rather than the northern New Territories. However, since this has a bearing on the tradi- tional sphere of responsibility of the Heung Yee Kuk it will clearly need careful examination.

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Sir, this statement has been made today in order to explain the Government's intentions as regards the develop- ment of our system of local administration. The objective, I hope, will be self-evident: it is to create more even and symmetrical arrangements for the whole of Hong Kong and to bring about a greater degree of direct participation in the running of our increasingly complex society. Needless to say, public comment on the proposals will be welcomed and the further advice of District Boards, and the advice of the Heung Yee Kuk, will be sought, as will the views of the Urban Council. If the proposals command support, it is intended that the changes in the composition of the District Boards should be introduced in time for the elections in 1985 and that elections for the second "regional" Council should take place in 1986, but with a provisional, appointed Council taking office in 1985.

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Meanwhile, preliminary work is in hand on the organisational, administrative, legal and financial implications of these proposals so that, if they do command support, the timetable envisaged for their implementation may be met.

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