TNAG-2329-FCO40-3373-Hong-Kong-contacts-with-academics-and-writers-1991 — Page 108

not only of the paper basis of the political organization of any territory but of the actual facts of the political organization in that territory. In short, the list of factors must provide a test not only of what the constitution of any territory says, but also of how it is carried out in practice.'

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In paragraph 3.20, I noted the precedent in the PRC for local rules and specific regulations on autonomy promulgated by autonomous areas themselves. I believe that the criteria suggested here could be very helpful too, and could provide very relevant considerations for local reform before and after 1997.

5.11.

IMPROVING ADMINISTRATION VISIBLY FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT

A.

PRINCIPLES OF FAIRNESS

The Hong Kong civil service takes a huge amount of decisions for a territory so compact in size. The following examples have been given in Hong Kong Administrative Law:-

In 1983 the Trade Department issued 2,304,697 import and export licences.

In 1986 the Housing Department was responsible for 2,400,000 people in public housing up from 30,000 in 1960-1961.

The Fire Services Department carried out 44,641 inspections and approved 6,351 plans in 1984.

In 1985 the Urban Services Department sent out 9,924 warning letters.

By December 1985 the Transport Department had issued 895,769 full drivers licences.

In 1985, 199 factory inspectors carried out 69,908 inspections of factories and industrial undertakings.

In 1986 the Labour Relations Service of the Labour Department settled 13,230 cases and arranged for the recovery of HK$127.3 m in arrears of wages, annual leave pay, wages in lieu of notice and

severance pay.

These figures must by now have been surpassed easily. For a number of reasons, the Hong Kong Civil Service is today under considerable pressure. An article in the South China Morning Post recently reported

that: -

"Government staff can expect more changes in the coming years as