1972 — Page 78

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

MR. HU: Mr. Chairman, Mr. SALES mentioned various assistance to these clubs and societies. Did Government ever offer any working

space or office space for their use, or not?

MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, at the present time all the land that is occupied at Repulse Bay was granted by the Government on the

advice of the Urban Council.

MR. HU:-Mr. Chairman, I ask you because surely you cannot be so strict if I ask a question concerning units in Hong Kong including New Territories because New Territories is still a part of Hong Kong. CHAIRMAN: It is not the responsibility of this Council, un- fortunately.

MR. HU:-But Mr. Chairman, do you agree with me that about recreation matters we are at least in an advisory capacity for recreation and things in the New Territories.

CHAIRMAN:-No, only regarding beaches.

MR. HU:-Only regarding beaches? Saving ..

But Mr. Chairman, the Life

CHAIRMAN:-Are you asking a question?

MR. HU: Yes, I ask you a question Mr. Chairman. Life Saving is only concerned with beaches, for example in Silver Mine Bay they have recently formed a so called life saving body and this only concerns beaches. I think we are at least in an advisory capacity. Do you think my question. . .?

CHAIRMAN:-I will provide you with the information, Mr. Hu.

MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, may I ask you if it is not in the Colonial tradition that when advice is tendered it is mandatory for the recipient to carry it out?

CHAIRMAN:-No, Mr. SALES.

MR. SALES: Well I thought that was the general policy and practice all over the world.

MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN: —Mr. Chairman, isn't advice taken when it is suitable to the colonial authority?

MR. SALES: I think the word is “expedient”.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

(12) MR. HENRY H. L. Hu asked the following question:-

137

We have heard a lot of talk about the self-finance of the

Council. What progress has now been made?

the target likely to be attained?

THE CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, replied as follows:

When is

This question refers to the White Paper on the future of the Urban Council which contains proposals for the grant of a substantial measure of financial autonomy to this Council.

A great deal of preparatory work has already been done by a Working Party consisting of representatives of the Colonial Secretariat, the Legal Department and the Urban Services Department with the assistance of the Treasury, the Audit and other departments. This includes work on admin- istrative and financial procedures, and the drafting of necessary legislation. The financial aspects of the White Paper, in particular, are complex and require detailed consideration. The indications are, however, that by the end of August, it may be possible to put to this Council for discussion the first of a series of papers dealing with different aspects of the White Paper.

In the White Paper it is proposed that the new arrangements should come into effect on 1st April, 1973 and this is still the target date.

MR. HU: Mr. Chairman, may I ask one supplementary? You say that the paper will be ready with different aspects of the White Paper. What are those different aspects. Would you care to tell us?

CHAIRMAN:-In addition to financing, there are public works, accounting, electoral and licensing problems to be considered.

MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, can I assume from the answer given that you personally are satisfied at the rate of progress achieved so far.

CHAIRMAN: ---Reasonably satisfied.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-In other words, Mr. Chairman, you are also reasonably satisfied that by April 1st, 1973, the new arrangements can and will come into effect.

CHAIRMAN: --As things go at present, yes, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN.

MR. FORSGATE:-Mr. Chairman, could I, as a member of the Committee principally concerned, ask you to expedite efforts behind