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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
The Course to which you refer was first instituted in 1959 and was intended to present an overall picture of local government practice in the United Kingdom with a bias towards financial procedure. It was particularly designed for treasurers and secretary treasurers of local authorities. It lasts altogether five months, but of this period only about twenty-four days are taken up with actual instruction. The balance of the time is spent on an attachment to a local authority.
No local officers have been sent for this training and I question whether, bearing in mind the bias towards financial matters and the very different organization of local authorities in England, it would be in any way beneficial.
Government has increased the Overseas Courses of Instruction Vote this year from $1,100,000 to $1,430,000; four years ago it was only $300,000—but the pressure from departments for places is intense. I personally do not at present consider that I can put forward a strong case on behalf of any member of the Department for inclusion on this particular course, but I shall be happy to look into the matter further provided that you let me know your views in greater detail and preferably put them in writing.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- May I ask a supplementary question?
Is it implied here that since there appears to be a bias towards financial procedure, that you are biased against these courses?
CHAIRMAN:- I am not in the least biased against these courses, but I don't think many people in the Departments would profit from a course which has a bias towards financial procedure.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- May I ask another supplementary question? The instructional vote will be increased up to $1,430,000. Is that only for the Urban Council?
CHAIRMAN:- No, no, it is a vote under the authority of the Colonial Secretary, and all departments put in bids for allocations from it.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- What proportion of this figure is allocated to the Urban Council?
CHAIRMAN:- I cannot give you the figure exactly, but I can tell you that during this year we shall have seven inspectors away on courses, that is six on meat and food inspection courses and one on a public cleansing course.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- These are all specialist courses?
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN:- Yes.
53
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Nothing to do with local government training?
CHAIRMAN:- No, except insofar as the inspector, who is being attached to the Institute of Cleansing, will be working with the Birkenhead City Council.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- May I also ask—it states here that "it lasts altogether five months, but of this period only twenty-four days are taken up with actual instruction." Don't you think that being attached to a local authority would be a valuable form of instruction for any local officer?
CHAIRMAN:- I am afraid I cannot really be called upon to express an opinion in this matter. I should, however, be happy to discuss the issue further with you.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- I thought my question was a very practical question.
CHAIRMAN:- Good.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:
"Exactly two years ago, I asked a question concerning the installation of a fountain at the Kowloon Star Ferry Concourse:
(a) Can the Chairman give a definite date when this fountain will be completed?
(b) Will the fountain be lighted up?"
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
"This concerns the proposed fountain at the Star Ferry Concourse, Kowloon.
You are perhaps unaware that at their meeting on 24th November, 1959, the Urban Amenities Select Committee agreed that a decision on the erection of this fountain should be deferred until such time as information could be obtained from the Public Works Department regarding possible changes in the existing lay-out of the concourse which might improve the present unsatisfactory traffic conditions. A plan showing adjustments which are likely to be effected soon to the concourse-layout was received in March from the Director of Public Works and the Architects have now been asked to consider what changes (if any) will have to be made in their plans as a result of these adjustments,
Page 34 of 118
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Page 34 of 118
Page 34 of 118
52
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
The Course to which you refer was first instituted in 1959 and was intended to present an overall picture of local govern- ment practice in the United Kingdom with a bias towards financial procedure. It was particularly designed for treas- urers and secretary treasurers of local authorities. It lasts altogether five months, but of this period only about twenty-four days are taken up with actual instruction. The balance of the time is spent on an attachment to a local authority.
No local officers have been sent for this training and I question whether, bearing in mind the bias towards financial matters and the very different organization of local authorities in England, it would be in any way beneficial.
Government has increased the Overseas Courses of Instruction Vote this year from $1,100,000 to $1,430,000 four years ago it was only $300,000—but the pressure from depart- ments for places is intense. I personally do not at present consider that I can put forward a strong case on behalf of any member of the Department for inclusion on this particular course but I shall be happy to look into the matter further provided that you let me know your views in greater detail and preferably put them in writing."
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-May I ask a supplementary question?
Is
it implied here that since there appears to be a bias towards financial procedure, that you are biased against these courses?
CHAIRMAN:-I am not in the least biased against these courses, but I don't think many people in the Departments would profit from a course which has a bias towards financial procedure.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-May I ask another supplementary question? The instructional vote will be increased up to $1,430,000. Is that only for the Urban Council?
CHAIRMAN:-No, no, it is a vote under the authority of the Colonial Secretary, and all departments put in bids for allocations from it.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: -What proportion of this figure is allocated to the Urban Council?
CHAIRMAN:-I cannot give you the figure exactly, but I can tell you that during this year we shall have seven inspectors away on courses, that is six on meat and food inspection courses and one on a public cleansing course.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-These are all specialist courses?
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN:-Yes.
53
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Nothing to do with local government training?
CHAIRMAN: -No, except insofar as the inspector, who is being attached to the Institute of Cleansing, will be working with the Birkenhead City Council.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-May I also ask-it states here that "it lasts altogether five months, but of this period only twenty-four days are taken up with actual instruction." Don't you think that being attached to a local authority would be a valuable form of instruction for any local officer?
CHAIRMAN:----I am afraid I cannot really be called upon to express an opinion in this matter. I should, however, be happy to discuss the issue further with you.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-I thought my question was a very practical question.
CHAIRMAN: -Good.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:
"Exactly TWO YEARS ago, I asked a question concerning the installation of a fountain at the Kowloon Star Ferry Concourse:
(a) Can the Chairman give a definite date when this
fountain will be completed?
(b) Will the fountain be lighted up?"
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
"This concerns the proposed fountain at the Star Ferry Con-
course, Kowloon.
You are perhaps unaware that at their meeting on 24th November, 1959, the Urban Amenities Select Committee agreed that a decision on the erection of this fountain should be deferred until such time as information could be obtained from the Public Works Department regarding pos- sible changes in the existing lay-out of the concourse which might improve the present unsatisfactory traffic conditions. A plan showing adjustments which are likely to be effected soon to the concourse-layout was received in March from the Director of Public Works and the Architects have now been asked to consider what changes (if any) will have to be made in their plans as a result of these adjustments,
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.