TNAG-1301-FCO40-1657-Visits-by-Richard-Luce--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1984 — Page 83

CONFIDENTIAL

members. The 35 members of UMELCO, although not elected, provide an

outside critical element and serve as a public watchdog on the

administration. Information on the role of UMELCO is in Brief No 8.

An opening statement, mainly on the future is in Brief No 2.

Reception to meet Community leaders (27 February)

9. This will be hosted by the Secretary for District

Administration, Mr David Akers-Jones. The community leaders are

likely to question Mr Luce closely on the future. The Governor's

advice should be sought on the use of the material in Brief No 2.

Visit to Eastern District on Hong Kong Island (28 February)

10. There are 18 administrative districts in the territory.

District Boards, consisting of government officials, appointed

Unofficial members, elected members and Urban Councillors or rural

committee chairmen advise the Government on all matters affecting

the inhabitants of their district, on the provision of Public

Services and priorities for new services. They also have the power to dispose of funds (approximately $32 million in 1983/4) on local public works, community activities and minor environmental

improvements. Elections for District Boards were held for the first

time in March 1982 in the New Territories and in September 1982 in

the urban area. These were the first elections in Hong Kong held on

an extended franchise, and the turnout was encouraging (about 50%

and 35% respectively of registered voters).

11. District Boards are serviced by District Manageent Committees

consisting of government officials. These provide a forum for

inter-departmental consultation to produce more effective government

at the district level.

Press Conference (28 February)

12. This will be open to the local and international press.

opening statement and notes for supplementaries

An

are in Brief No 9.

CONFIDENTIAL