TNAG-2728-FCO40-3934-Hong-Kong-elections-proposed-functional-constituencies-1993 — Page 6

SECRET

XCX(93)36

16

Textile and Garment. This proposal builds on the Textile and Garment FC proposed by the Chinese side. Together the two trades contributed 40.4% of Hong Kong's domestic exports, and accounted for 42% of total manufacturing employment, in 1992. The electorate of this FC will comprise proprietors/directors of companies in the trades, plus members of the relevant trade (employers') associations.

17

Sports, Culture and Entertainment. This proposal builds on the Sports FC proposed by the Chinese side, and also takes into account opinions in the community that there should be an FC for the recreation and culture sectors. We have so far received seven submissions from individuals and organizations for an FC for sports and/or recreation/culture. Leisure activities plays an important role in improving the public's quality of life. In addition, Culture and Entertainment is also an important industry in its own right.

18

The electorate of this FC will comprise executive committee members of sports clubs, plus individuals who work in the cultural/ entertainment industries in a professional capacity (e.g. dancers, directors, actors) and who are members of the relevant representative bodies.

19

Transport. This proposal builds on the Maritime FC proposed by the Chinese side. The growth of Hong Kong's economy owes much to a comprehensive and developed transportation network for the carriage of passengers and goods, both within Hong Kong as well as between Hong Kong and overseas destinations, by land, sea and air. The industry accounted for 7.1% of Hong Kong's GDP in 1990. The electorate of this FC will comprise proprietors/directors of companies in the trades, plus members of the relevant trade (employers') associations.

20

Lands, Works and Housing. Hong Kong has a highly developed infrastructure to underpin its economic growth. Public expenditure in 1992-93 on land, buildings and housing amounted to $23,290 million, or 18.3% of total public expenditure. There is also huge investment by the private sector. As our economy continues to develop, expenditure by both the public and private sectors in the fields of lands, works and housing will also increase in the years to come. It is therefore appropriate that we recognize the importance of the associate professionals (e.g. surveying officers, technical staff in various engineering disciplines, housing managers etc.) in these fields by giving them an FC seat in the Legislative Council.