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Mr. CHEONG-LEEN specifically requested that part of his speech concerning the Emergency (Deportation and Detention) Regulations be conveyed to His Excellency the Governor through the Colonial Secretary. The contents of his speech have been referred to the Colonial Secretary accordingly.

Mr. CHEUNG Wing-in devoted part of his speech to the question of creating an Ombudsman for Hong Kong. He has already given notice of his intention to move a motion on this subject at the February meeting of this Council, and I would suggest that, in the circumstances, it would be premature for me to advance opinions on the matter at this stage.

Dr. BELL made some interesting observations on our traffic problems. These were passed to the Commissioner for Transport for consideration, but I understand that the acting Chairman of the Transport Advisory Committee, our former active member Mr. K. A. WATSON, had already asked to see Dr. BELL's speech in order to make a reply. He has now written a letter to me, copies of which will be sent to all Members of the Council, in which he says, among other things, that his Committee will do its best to answer any questions on transport matters from Urban Councillors and that there would be no objection to these answers being published. The specific suggestions made by Dr. BELL are being referred to the Committee immediately and the Chairman will write and let her have their views. If Dr. BELL so wishes, their views will be published.

The Honourable Mrs. Ellen LI referred to the need for considerable expansion of our Library and Museum and Art Gallery facilities. Dr. Raymond LEE alluded to the same topic. Government has formally expressed recognition of the need for some expansion of the space for the Museum and Art Gallery and the desirability for extension of library services through branch libraries, and will give consideration to practical recommendations and suggestions to these ends. The report on Museum and Art Gallery services prepared by the Museum and Art Gallery Select Committee will shortly be tabled for consideration by the Standing Committee of the Whole Council and will then, I assume, be sent to Government for consideration.

Among others, the Honourable Mrs. Ellen Li also referred to the desirability of extending the jurisdiction of this Council to cover Tsuen Wan. This, as Members will recall, was the subject of a debate in this chamber on 7th September last, when a motion moved by Mr. CHEUNG Wing-in that Government should put Tsuen Wan under the jurisdiction of the Council was carried. The record of the debate was forwarded to the Colonial Secretary and a reply has been received saying that the question of the need for changes in the administration of Tsuen Wan is receiving consideration, but that for the present no change in the existing arrangements is contemplated. A memorandum on this subject has now been sent to all Members of the Council.

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Mr. SALES and the Honourable FUNG Hon-chu both expressed concern about obtaining adequate co-operation from other Government departments in all aspects of the Council's activities. I cannot say that I have noticed any general reluctance to co-operate with the Council or attempts to frustrate the Council's interests. On the contrary, when we have asked for advice or assistance it has usually been readily forthcoming. There are, of course, some things which the Council has asked for and which have been refused, but these have, I think, been matters outside its competence.

I do not share the Honourable FUNG Hon-chu's despair that year after year we do not seem to have achieved as much as we should. There has been a number of striking developments in the past year, some of which have already been mentioned, such as further advances in the mechanization of cleansing, the rapid expansion in amenities, and the new co-operation with the Kaifongs. Should I mention that recent innovation, the ward system, for which Dr. LEE must be given much credit, or the new Christmas decoration in the streets, which must be a source of gratification to Mr. SALES? (Laughter).

I have no feeling of despondency about this Council. It appears to me to continue to work with an unsubdued spirit, an uncommon vigour, and honest sentiments, and to be making a growing contribution to the betterment of Hong Kong. It is a stern critic of the Government and a good servant of the common man. If it works confidently and competently within its capacity, is it to be blamed because it feels worthy and capable of assuming wider responsibilities?

Allow me, in closing, to thank you for your services to Hong Kong during 1965. (Applause).

MR. SALES: Sir, may we congratulate you on your very powerful speech to-day, but it took 39 minutes, and as we are all so very conscious of Standing Orders, I would like to draw your attention to Standing Order No. 10, section 9, where either the consent of the Chairman must be obtained or a motion duly passed by this Council must be secured. As you are yourself Chairman, it would be most unseemly of you to give consent to yourself for exceeding the time limit allowed for speeches, and I would like to oblige by proposing a motion that we ratify the excessive time that you took.

MR. MARDEN: I wish to second the motion. (Laughter).

CHAIRMAN: Will those in favour of the motion please raise their hands? (Laughter).

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