1972 — Page 151

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

MR. JOHN MACKENZIE (In English):-Mr. Chairman, I will be speaking this afternoon in a sort of English common to the Northern natives of Britain. May I assure you, Sir, that it is the best English I know. (Laughter) (Applause).

I shall also be speaking I think on too many subjects but I hope not too long.

Public Housing

Public Housing is one of the key subjects in the statement issued last month by His Excellency the Governor. I believe that this manifesto in its scope and sincerity is one of the most unique and important policy statements made by any Governor of Hong Kong. This Council, which has fought long and hard for the provision of decent housing standards for the people of Hong Kong, should be encouraged and gratified.

I have already expressed—and I repeat here my support for the creation of a new Housing Department responsible for all public housing. The successful management of hundreds of blocks of flats accommodating 1.2 million people, with a total staff in excess of 4,000 demands new organizational standards, and a high degree of professional skills. The task is within our resources and I am sure that the newly-constituted Housing Authority, to include a good proportion of Urban Councillors, can get down to more constructive work than has hitherto been possible.

With policy decisions reached, and organization provided, there can be no excuses for delay. The building programme must proceed at the fastest possible pace, and top priority must be given to the accommodation of all remaining squatters and to the relief of over-crowding in our estates.

I share the concern expressed in this Debate about the known affluence of certain Government housing tenants, and am uneasy about a policy of providing subsidized carparks for people enjoying privileged rental conditions. Cases can be quoted of resettlement tenants who own and draw rents from expensive flats in private developments. Such persons have no place in public housing estates and should be invited to get out to make way for those in real need.

Additionally, I would ask that more generous consideration be given of the space requirements of growing families, and I appeal that future planning make provision for young married people who need the dignity and security of their own homes if we are to build a stable and contented society.

Urban Council Organization

This has been a year of great significance in Urban Council organization. The changes in Select Committee structure in April,

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cutting out some rotten apples and eliminating sinecure positions, has proved its value by results. I believe that the reduction of Select Committees to a sensible number has enabled Councillors to specialize to a greater extent, to gain a deeper appreciation of our problems and, thereby, to make a more constructive contribution towards the running of this great city. While I accept that modification in structure may be desirable from time to time, I will resist any return to the confusion which existed a year ago.

I am also enheartened in Council by the identity of purpose which I find with other Councillors "on both sides of the house". That this is particularly prevalent amongst the younger Members of the Council may be coincidental! It is my belief that all of us here are essentially "Councillors" first and then "Elected" or "Appointed" afterwards. We are here, I hope, because we have a deep interest in community affairs and have shown that interest through our record of public service. Therefore, I feel that the present seating arrangements, the arbitrary division of Councillors into "them" and "us", Elected on one side and Appointed on the other, must cease. I advocate the introduction of some less discriminatory and more acceptable system of seating in this Council before next year's session begins.

There has been mention of the need to reach a decision regarding next year's Chairman of this Council. There is much preparatory work to be done and I agree that an understanding on the matter must be reached very quickly.

The first priority, however, is to draw up Terms of Reference and establish the basis of remuneration, if any. We are not seeking a mayoralty in Hong Kong and I suggest that the new Chairman's position in Council is one of primus inter pares. I believe the appointment should carry a modest honorarium plus a reasonable entertainment allowance. The Chairman—and this Council—needs adequate working facilities and staff. I am sure that transportation can be provided for important occasions and visitors from the Government carpool, and I see no need for a special car. Rather would I see the prestige of this Council and its Members recognized by the issue of an Urban Council badge to be carried on Members' cars in the manner established by UMELCO.

Environmental Hygiene

I have raised questions in Environmental Hygiene this year concerning increased mechanization in cleansing systems, the growing population of rats and stray dogs, and sewage discharge. I cannot say that I am happy with the answers which have been given.

To a recent question concerning the discharge of untreated sewage into our Harbour, it is indicated that pipe sewage discharge is the con-

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` for paragraphs. Note that "1.2 million" was corrected from "12 million" as it is more plausible given the context of Hong Kong's population at the time. However, without further context, this correction is based on general knowledge. The original text had "12 million", which might be a typo or OCR error.