TNAG-1284-FCO40-1636-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 218

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13.

The proposal that some of the services of the

Recreation and Culture Department should be brought under the

two regional councils has been welcomed. The district services

can readily be transferred. Central services such as liaison

with the Amateur Sports Associations will be kept separate.

The Council for Recreation and Sport and the Council for

Performing Arts will remain in being to advise on matters within

their terms of reference for the whole of Hong Kong.

14.

To provide the necessary executive support for the

Urban Council and the new Regional Council the present

Urban Services Department and Recreation and Culture Departmet

will be formed into two new departments each headed by a

Chief Executive one servicing the Urban Council and one the

Regional Council. There will also be a new Secretary

probably to be known as the Secretary for Municipal Services -

who will have policy responsibility for environmental hygiene

matters, and cultural and recreational services, and who will

exercise a coordinating function to encourage cooperation,

consistency and the best use of resources between the two departments

and the two Councils.

as a bridge between the Central

He will act as

Government and the two regional councils. There will also be

some consequential adjustments to the schedules of

responsibilities of some other Secretaries. The detailed financial

and staffing implications are being worked out and will be put

to Finance Committee as soon as possible.