1974 — Page 156

וי

272

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

people has been improved through regionalization, (b) the establishment of a Works Planning Sub-Committee to determine the priorities of the building projects and remove any ambiguity in the Government- Council relationship, and (c) successful exposition of the Council's work for the public to have a better understanding thereof.

I offer my personal congratulations to the Director of Urban Services Department and members of his staff for their excellent achievements.

At this Debate my colleagues are presenting many valuable views on the improvement of the Council's work, and I am sure I shall derive a great deal of benefit from their speeches. I would like now to say a few words on subjects related to the work of Committees on which I serve and others of interest to me:

(i) Finance: In spite of the fact that we have obtained financial autonomy, we are still required to pay on-cost for certain services, procurements and travel expenses for Departmental staff to attend con- ferences. The Council can well attend to such matters, thus deriving savings which could be directed to finance our own projects.

(ii) Administration: The Council has a Standing Committee of the Whole Council, 13 select committees, 33 sub-committees. Meet- ings held each year exceed 300. More than 1,500 papers have to be produced as records of the meetings, etc. Minutes of sub-committees are usually duplicated at Select Committees. This creates unneces- sary burden on Departmental staff. I venture to propose that with the exception of the Cultural Complex Sub-Committee; the Works Planning Sub-Committee and the Establishment Sub-Committee; the Panels of the Finance Select Committee; the Liquor Licensing Board of the Food Hygiene Select Committee; and the Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign, all other sub-committees should be abolished and the work handled by Departmental staff. Papers with preliminary conclusions could be drawn up for the Select Committees to make final decisions. This will not only enable Departmental staff to have better understanding of the Council policy but will also eliminate a great deal of redundancy. And Councillors can have more time to devote to more important issues.

(iii) Food Hygiene: With the changing eating habits of the people in Hong Kong, the use of frozen and tinned foods has greatly increased. The Council have rules and regulations for the control of fresh and frozen foods, but none exists for the control of tinned foods. These should be drawn up as quickly as possible in conjunction with Govern- ment and other organizations, so as to offer adequate protection for the public of Hong Kong.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Page 156 of 187

273

(iv) Environmental Hygiene: Another Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign has recently been started. More young people are involved in it this year. I wonder if it would be possible for the Campaign to engage primary school pupils to act as Anti-Litter Wardens, as was successfully done in Singapore. I believe the youngsters could easily shame the adult offenders to discipline themselves. Results have shown that the work should not be left to a rather inadequate Anti-Litter Warden force which manages to do a half hearted job at best.

Besides keeping the City clean, is it not possible to plant more trees whenever and wherever circumstances permit? We need to have a more beautiful City!

(v) Library: I am a strong supporter of the aim that for every 200,000 inhabitants there should be a Council library, provided prem- ises of reasonal rental could be made available. The library expan- sion programme should be made known to the Housing Authority, so that in redevelopment of the housing estates, suitable space could be earmarked for library sites at reasonable rentals.

(vi) Cemeteries: I had asked earlier for the consideration of facilities to provide multi-chamber cremation as well as cremation without coffin. The request was regarded as not in conformity with Chinese traditions. However, in order to help the poorer section of the community, such facilities should be made available so that those who prefer them may have their choice.

(vii) Cultural Services: While Council's work is more connected with daily physical life, the activities of the Cultural Services Section are equally important, if not more. Such activities provide not only wholesome entertainment but also help dampen possible sparks of the violent mind. I am proud of my participation in the work of the City Hall Select Committee, which provides quality cultural program to the public at low cost and offers excellent opportunities for young people to develope their latent talents. The following are a few personal view points for consideration by the Select Committee:

(a) The name: To describe the activities more accurately, this committee should be named "Cultural Service Committee”.

(b) The Arts Festival: The Council is now rendering direct financial assistance to the Festival as well as making conces- sions for the use of the City Hall complex. I am of the opinion the Council should be represented on the Art Festival Committee, to establish communication for mutual benefit.