1977 — Page 114

Page 114 of 174

188

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Surely the way to tackle the problem, the method I in fact suggested to the Director, and the method Sir Alistair BLAIR-KERR actually used, was to examine first the whole structure of corruption in Hong Kong. To imagine that one can get away with extracting a stone here and there and pulling it out of the compact pyramid of corruption without shaking the whole structure, is naive. Or perhaps this was a deliberate attempt to deceive the public and leave the corrupt masters free. Certain it seems, from information passed to me, that some higher officials were spared the axe only because they threatened to expose the whole truth and involve officials at even higher levels.

When the danger became imminent, a hasty amnesty was offered, there by creating many other injustices, especially to past victims of corruption.

Only a truly independent body could have investigated Hong Kong's corruption, without itself becoming morally corrupt enough to pick and choose the subjects of its prosecutions and let the biggest rogues go free.

An independent commission could have lopped off the top of the pyramid of corruption, and kept the lower structure more or less intact, for in the lower structure are many men of better calibre whose promotion has been blocked by their own honesty. I can only conclude that the ICAC heads imagined they could protect the top of the pyramid and stem corruption by pulling out a few lower bricks, but this only endangered the whole structure.

To return to Urban Council matters, when I first came on this Council, there existed a coalition on the elected side, set up specifically to press for constitutional changes and election to the Legislative Council. Where has this unity gone? Now we have coalitions between Appointed Members and puppets on this side of the Council. Mean- while the powers and democratic principles of the Council crumble, and as a body we are no longer the voice of the people.

One may ask me why I choose to remain on the Council in view of what I have said. The fact is that I am not willing to remain on this Council except as a voice for the people. Therefore, to indicate my disgust with this Council, and especially its oppressive policy towards genuine hawkers, I shall refrain from voting on the Motion.

MR. H. M. G. FORSGATE (in English):-Mr. Chairman,

Planning and Development Select Committee Work

The objective allotted to the Planning and Development Select Committee is the quickest possible development of the Council's projects in accordance with requirements approved by functional select com-

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Page 114 of 174

189

mittees, maximizing land use and exploring alternative methods of undertaking the design and construction of projects. Financially, it has adopted a strategy based upon the concepts of planning, pro- gramming and budgetting system. In conjunction with the Architec- tural Office of the Public Works Department, a 10-year plan for Council projects has been worked out. Within this plan a 5-year forecast programme is updated annually and this provides the basis for annual budgetting. It is within this realistic and flexible framework that the Council is able to allocate priorities in terms of need and implement this as finance and other resources allow.

Capital Expenditure in 1976-77

We estimate we will be able to spend $20 million by the 31st March, 1978, but to date we have only managed to spend half of that amount. This compares with the rather optimistic capital expenditure budget of $60 million. I will mention later in my speech of measures being taken to speed up the work, but it is evident there is a consider- able shortfall between our aspirations and achievements on capital works this year.

A few examples of major construction works completed this year are the Aberdeen Swimming Pool, Tai Wan Shan Park and Swimming Pool, the Urban Council Chamber and Offices, the Diving and Teaching Pools at Victoria Park and Kowloon Park Stage II, Phase I.

Capital Expenditure 1978-79

It is difficult at this stage to predict how capital expenditure will go over the next few years but the latest estimates forecast expenditure of

$ 47.6 million in 1978-79

$ 80.8 million in 1979-80

$ 66 million in 1980-81

$ 36.4 million in 1981-82

$230.8 million

A formidible total of nearly $231 million. This results from com- pressing the present 10-year plan into 5 years and is limited to projects already approved. Optimistic conditions are assumed for the provision of sites, and adequate architectural and engineering capacity from both Government and private sources. Large projects of interest are Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Funeral Depot at Winslow Street, Chai Wan Swimming Pool and Park, Chater Garden Stage I, Wan Chai Recreational Centre Stage I and the Space Museum.