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that the community should recognize its responsibilities in these circumstances.
It would appear to be very necessary that the scales of public assistance be reviewed periodically to ensure that payments are adequate to meet reasonable household needs. Furthermore, I believe that special consideration should be given to physically handicapped persons, such as the blind, who find it most difficult to compete for job vacancies on terms of any equality.
Council Reform
Weighty comment has been made on the subject of Council Reform in the course of this Debate, and I do not intend to become involved in discussing the technicalities of this issue at this time, as I see we have it on the Agenda for next week. The Urban Council, as presently constituted, undertakes a tremendous volume of work through its seventeen Select Committees. It is here that the work is done, without public fanfares, and it is through these that we can point to a fair measure of achievement year-by-year.
I am seriously concerned, however, by the excessive time wasted in our meetings on matters of trivial administrative detail, and by the occurrence and the recurrence of appeals for exception to and exemption from the agreed policies of this Council. Negative criticism and harassment of policy implementation have created doubt and uncertainty amongst Government staff in various areas, leading to greater aggravation of the very problems we are seeking to solve.
I suggest that the issues facing this Council are fairly clearly defined and what is required from us is guidance, common-sense and determination in establishing policies to meet the needs of society. Once committed to a policy, it is the duty of each Member of the Urban Council to extend his or her fullest support to the Departmental effort to achieve the objectives which have been set. If we cannot be both clear and consistent, and if we do not assist the Departments concerned to act positively and energetically in the pursuit of our stated objectives, then I say we have failed—and the public will rightly judge us to have failed.
However individual Councillors may consider the merits or demerits of the White Paper, I sincerely trust that, rather than letting it create division, a new sense of unity and purpose can be developed amongst us and that, collectively, we will renew our efforts to improve conditions in the public interest.
Conclusion
In closing this Debate for the Unofficials, Mr. Chairman, may I extend to you and your staff my appreciation of the generous, perhaps over-generous handling of this two-day meeting and for the efficient way in which the work of the Department is conducted, and for the magnificent manner in which the Department responded to the emergencies which arose during this year. The dedication and high morale of Urban Services Department tends to be taken for granted but careful planning, sound organization and capable leadership are necessary ingredients to efficiency. We will need a growing level of efficiency in the Department, and in this Council, if we are to deal effectively with the many problems of this crowded community.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to support the Motion. (Applause).
ADJOURNMENT
4.10 P.M.
CHAIRMAN:-Ladies and gentlemen, in accordance with the agreement of the Standing Committee, Officials will reply to points raised by Unofficials at the next regular meeting on Tuesday, 7th December, 1971, at 2.30 p.m. Council therefore stands adjourned until that date and time.
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Page 194 of 242
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Page 193 of 242
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that the community should recognize its responsibilities in these circum-
stances.
It would appear to be very necessary that the scales of public assistance be reviewed periodically to ensure that payments are ade- quate to meet reasonable household needs. Furthermore, I believe that special consideration should be given to physically handicapped persons, such as the blind, who find it most difficult to compete for job vacancies on terms of any equality.
Council Reform
Weighty comment has been made on the subject of Council Reform in the course of this Debate, and I do not intend to become involved in discussing the technicalities of this issue at this time, as I see we have it on the Agenda for next week. The Urban Council, as presently constituted, undertakes a tremendous volume of work through its seventeen Select Committees. It is here that the work is done, without public fanfares, and it is through these that we can point to a fair measure of achievement year-by-year.
I am seriously concerned, however, by the excessive time wasted in our meetings on matters of trivial administrative detail, and by the occurance and the recurrence of appeals for exception to and exemp- tion from the agreed policies of this Council. Negative criticism and harassment of policy implementation have created doubt and uncer- tainty amongst Government staff in various areas, leading to greater aggravation of the very problems we are seeking to solve.
I suggest that the issues facing this Council are fairly clearly defined and what is required from us is guidance, common-sense and determination in establishing policies to meet the needs of society. Once committed to a policy, it is the duty of each Member of the Urban Council to extend his or her fullest support to the Departmental effort to achieve the objectives which have been set. If we cannot be both clear and consistent, and if we do not assist the Departments concerned to act positively and energetically in the pursuit of our stated objectives, then I say we have failed-and the public will rightly judge us to have failed.
However individual Councillors may consider the merits or demerits of the White Paper, I sincerely trust that, rather than letting it create division, a new sense of unity and purpose can be developed amongst us and that, collectively, we will renew our efforts to improve conditions in the public interest.
Conclusion
In closing this Debate for the Unofficials, Mr. Chairman, may I extend to you and your staff my appreciation of the generous, perhaps
!
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
367
over-generous handling of this two-day meeting and for the efficient way in which the work of the Department is conducted, and for the magnificent manner in which the Department responded to the emergencies which arose during this year. The dedication and high morale of Urban Services Department tends to be taken for granted but careful planning, sound organization and capable leadership are necessary ingredients to efficiency. We will need a growing level of efficiency in the Department, and in this Council, if we are to deal effectively with the many problems of this crowded community.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to support the Motion. (Applause).
ADJOURNMENT ·
4.10 P.M.
CHAIRMAN:-Ladies and gentlemen, in accordance with the agree- ment of the Standing Committee, Officials will reply to points raised by Unofficials at the next regular meeting on Tuesday, 7th December, 1971, at 2.30 p.m. Council therefore stands adjourned until that date and time.
PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, HONG KONG
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