TNAG-1750-FCO40-2470-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 132

to the extent that they would wish. Many Board members felt that closer links between the District Boards and District Management Committees would help to remedy this, by enabling them to monitor, more effectively, the impact of their ice on the administration of the district. (Under present arrangements, it is the District Management Committees, composed entirely of government officials, which are responsible for ensuring that the services and activities of government departments are effectively co-ordinated to meet specific district. needs.)

38. Most District Board members considered that, in addition to their advisory role, District Boards should be enabled to take decisions on certain matters of district concern. The view was also expressed that the Boards should assume a role in the management of certain district community facilities, although it was recognized that the scope of authority of the Boards would have to be clearly defined.

39. The options which have been suggested for possible changes in the role of the District Boards are:

(i) to make no change in the present role of the Boards, but to ensure that the Boards' advice is accepted whenever possible and acted upon promptly;

(ii) to empower the Boards to take decisions and to direct the actions of government departments on certain matters of concern specifically to their district;

(iii) to give to District Boards a role in the management of certain district

facilities.

40. As regards option (i), the Government accepts that District Boards can reasonably expect their advice to be taken unless it conflicts with policies or priorities laid down at the central or regional levels of government. Steps have already been taken to ensure that, wherever possible, the advice of District Boards will be taken and that, where this is not possible, full explanation is given.

41. Options (ii) and (iii) offer means of enhancing the role of the District Boards, provided it proves possible to identify a range of issues on which decisions can be taken at the district level. It would, however, be necessary to consider the implications of such developments for policy at the regional and central government levels and for the management and raising of public funds. In particular, it would be necessary to distinguish clearly between the areas of authority of the District Boards and those of the Municipal Councils.

Composition of District Boards

42. Another important issue considered by Board members was whether District Boards should continue to include appointed and ex-officio members as well as elected members. At present District Boards are made up of elected and appointed members, who are in a ratio of approximately 2:1. In addition,

13