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be passed by Government. I may be wrong, Mr. Chairman, but there is a certain implication there that it is like trying to put the cart before the horse.
CHAIRMAN:—Mr. Cheong-leen, I think I should point out that I said nothing about the recommendations being approved by Government. I said there was a possibility of Government not approving the initial capital outlay.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:—Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I was going on to say that it did appear to me that there is a need on this occasion for someone on the official side to state clearly and fully what is Government's position in regard to this Motion, whether they are in favour of it or whether they are not in favour of it, and if not in favour of it, to say so clearly and precisely.
CHAIRMAN:—Mr. Sales, do you wish to exercise your right under Standing Order 12?
MR. SALES:—Under Standing Order 12? (Laughter). I thought for one moment I would concede that right to you. Since my Motion has found unanimous support amongst the representatives of the people of Hong Kong, both Elected and Appointed, the right of reply in all fairness, Mr. Chairman, should be yours.
CHAIRMAN:—I shall now put the question. The official Members will abstain.
The question was put.
The Motion was carried unanimously with five Official Members abstaining.
MR. BERNACCHI—I rise on a point of order. Was your remark "the Official Members will abstain" intended as a direction to the Official Members? If so, is there any authority for such direction in Standing Orders?
CHAIRMAN:—There is no authority.
MR. SALES:—On a point of clarification, if there is no such authority, may I infer that this is a manifestation of automatism? I do not think that, with such an abundant supply of manpower in Hong Kong, there would be any need for automatism.
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CHAIRMAN:—Before we conclude the meeting I should like to mention that Mr. Walton will shortly be leaving us as he is proceeding on leave. He will be succeeded as Commissioner for Resettlement by Mr. J. P. Aserappa, who was in the Urban Services Department from 1953 to 1955. Members will, I am sure, join me in wishing Mr. Walton a very pleasant vacation. (Applause).
MR. FUNG PING FAN:—On behalf of my Colleagues the Unofficial Nominated Members I wish Mr. and Mrs. Walton a happy holiday, and come back to us soon.
MR. BERNACCHI:—I naturally wish to be associated with your remarks and Mr. Fung's remarks on behalf of the Reform Club Members.
MR. LI YIU BOR:—I wish to associate myself with these remarks and wish Mr. and Mrs. Walton a very happy home leave.
ADJOURNMENT.
CHAIRMAN:—That concludes the business of this meeting. Council will adjourn to Tuesday, 3rd June.
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be passed by Government. I may be wrong, Mr. Chairman, but there is a certain implication there that it is like trying to put the cart before the horse.
CHAIRMAN :—Mr. Cheong-leen, I think I should point out that I said nothing about the recommendations being approved by Government. I said there was a possibility of Government not approving the initial capital outlay.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I was going on to say that it did appear to me that there is a need on this occasion for someone on the official side to state clearly and fully what is Government's position in regard to this Motion, whether they are in favour of it or whether they are not in favour of it, and if not in favour of it, to say so clearly and precisely.
CHAIRMAN :-Mr. Sales, do you wish to exercise your right
under-
MR. SALES :-Under Standing Order 12? (Laughter). I thought for one moment I would concede that right to you. Since my Motion has found unanimous support amongst the representa- tives of the people of Hong Kong, both Elected and Appointed, the right of reply in all fairness, Mr. Chairman, should be yours.
CHAIRMAN:---I shall now put the question. The official Members will abstain.
The question was put.
The Motion was carried unanimously with five Official Members abstaining.
MR. BERNACCHI-I rise on a point of order. Was your remark "the Official Members will abstain" intended as a direction to the Official Members? If so, is there any authority for such direction in Standing Orders?
CHAIRMAN:-There is no authority.
MR. SALES -On a point of clarification, if there is no such authority, may I infer that this is a manifestation of automatism? I do not think that, with such an abundant supply of manpower in Hong Kong, there would be any need for automatism.
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CHAIRMAN:-Before we conclude the meeting I should like to mention that Mr. Walton will shortly be leaving us as he is proceeding on leave. He will be succeeded as Commissioner for Resettlement by Mr. J. P. Aserappa, who was in the Urban Services Department from 1953 to 1955. Members will, I am sure, join me in wishing Mr. Walton a very pleasant vacation. (Applause).
MR. FUNG PING FAN :-On behalf of my Colleagues the Un- official Nominated Members I wish Mr. and Mrs. Walton a happy holiday, and come back to us soon.
MR. BERNACCHI :-I naturally wish to be associated with your remarks and Mr. Fung's remarks on behalf of the Reform Club Members.
MR. LI YIU BOR:--I wish to associate myself with these remarks and wish Mr. and Mrs. Walton a very happy home leave.
ADJOURNMENT.
CHAIRMAN:--- -That concludes the business of this meeting. Council will adjourn to Tuesday, 3rd June.
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