1967 — Page 216

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Page 216 of 259

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I am glad that three-quarters of Whitfield Barracks are now planned as public open space, but we hope that the remaining quarter ear-marked for other uses can also be used by members of the public by providing a theatre, a bowling alley, a model motor-car racing track for children, a skating rink, and a large tourist shopping centre selling exclusively Hong Kong Products. I am sure Mr. Daniel LAM will support my suggestion.

Mrs. Ellen LI spoke on Radio Hong Kong earlier in the Debate. Some members feel that the programmes of Radio Hong Kong should have a more local flavour. They feel, for example, that the announce- ment of overseas football results for nearly half an hour on Sunday mornings does not serve a very useful purpose, as these results can be found in the morning papers anyway. May we suggest that Radio Hong Kong be given every assistance and encouragement by all con- cerned to engage more local talent and to produce more programmes of local interest to serve as a better communication medium between Government and the public.

A few speakers have touched on the subject of an Ombudsman for Hong Kong, and they all agreed that we need such an independent per- son for the redress of grievances on the part of everybody concerned, both the civil servants as well as members of the general public. I wish therefore to urge Government again to consider such an appointment without delay.

A civic Centre for another City Hall for Kowloon has become a genuine need as the facilities provided by the City Hall are taxed to their full capacity. We hope Government will give this project high priority.

A conference-cum-indoor-stadium complex should also receive early attention from Government. Apart from other considerations, such a complex will give our expanding tourist trade the stimulus it needs.

Now a few words on the use of Chinese as an official language. I think before I begin I should like to make myself clear that I am not in favour of bi-lingualism in sub-committee meetings especially with reference to committee minutes, because they are very difficult to trans- late. Recently I read a fortnightly paper published by the student-body of one of the constituent colleges of the Chinese University. In it there was an opinion poll on the subject of Chinese as a co-official language together with English. Of the 415 undergraduates asked, 327 were in favour, 1 was against, and 42 had no decided views. The students felt that if Chinese could be used as a co-official language together with English, the Government and the people would be even much more close together, like partners in prosperous and peaceful co-existence. They felt strongly that if only English was used, they were not part of

Hong Kong. Now, Mr. Chairman, if Singapore can have four official languages, Chinese, English, Malay and Hindi, I see no reason why Hong Kong cannot have two.

These views of the students may be taken as representing the general views of the educated section of our rising generation, and I do hope they will not be ignored by Government.

I fully agree with the Director of Social Welfare that when one department of Government gets a higher percentage of the budget, the other departments will get a lower percentage. I would be the last, Mr. Chairman, to suggest that we should cut expenditure on education, housing, health and public safety, particularly the latter. However, I submit that the Government budget might be compared to a Christmas cake. Naturally, when one member of the family has a larger slice, other members will have to be content with smaller slices, but the question is can the rich uncles and aunts chip in more so that the cake can be made larger and enough for all. (Applause). We in Hong Kong, Mr. Chairman, are not doing enough in the field of social security and as a member of the community, I feel great concern. I may be wrong, but I feel strongly that an unhealthy community is an explosive community and that in the provision of basic needs of social security we cannot afford to go our leisurely way. I put no blame on any party, but as a lover of Hong Kong and its way of life, I consider it my duty to point out to Government the dangers of the position as I see them so that the matter may be discussed in the proper quarter.

Well, Mr. Chairman, this is the gist of my reply. I understand that my Senior Learned Colleague has certain points which he would like me to say to you, Sir. (At this point Mr. BERNACCHI handed Mr. Li Yiu-bor notes of the points he wished to make.)

CHAIRMAN:-(Referring to the notes handed to Mr. Li Yiu-bor) I think this is a bit irregular.

MR. LI YIU-BOR: --Would it be better if Mr. BERNACCHI's remarks could be circulated to Members when they are ready. Have you any objections?

CHAIRMAN: --No, not at all.

MR. LI YIU-BOR: -So, before I conclude, Mr. Chairman, may I thank all the staff of the departments concerned in carrying out the functions of the Council and may I take this opportunity to wish all members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. (Applause).

CHAIRMAN:-The motion for the Endorsement of the Statement of Aims for 1968 was moved and seconded at the meeting held on the 30th November, 1967. I will now take a vote on the motion.