TNAG-1363-FCO40-1809-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 304

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This is so because in both the Urban Council Ordinance

and the District Boards Ordinance, there is a provision to the effect that the acts and proceedings of any member acting as such shall, notwithstanding his want of qualification or disqualification, be as

valid and effectual as if he had been qualified.

As its title implies, the bill is intended as

a temporary measure to enable the five persons concerned to continue

to continue to act as members and, in the

interim, to seek registration on the general electoral roll. The next registration period commences on 15 August and will culminate with the publication of the new final register of electors in January 1986, on which date it is proposed that the bill should lapse. This will provide an opportunity to the five persons concerned to qualify themselves for appointment by

securing registration,

registration, and thereafter to be

be validly appointed to the respective bodies in the normal way.

It is thus desirable, in the interest of these bodies, that the position of the five persons should be put right as soon as possible, and it is for this reason that it is proposed the bill should be taken through all its stages at one sitting.

Finally, I should like to assure Members that steps have been taken to prevent repetition of the oversight. A procedure has been introduced to ensure that nominations for appointment in future will be checked against the general electoral roll.

Sir, I beg to move.