1979 — Page 56

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

The Council's story is also told in monthly reports and by other means regularly. It is found in the statistics issued on any and every aspect of its

record of members' attendance at meetings. All in all, then, everything th. responsibilities, or so it seems. Fortuitously tucked away there is t of it

Council does points to a serious concern for the common man. For, there no reason why the public authorities here should act otherwise than te satisfy within measure the aspirations of a vibrant society in rapid transition. It should not be necessary to repeat that the people work long and hard t make Hong Kong what it is. As the public purse has the means in plent it should be used for their direct benefit and spread out according to need

preferably.

The Report shows some of the many excellent civic facilities now found nearly everywhere. Perhaps the Government might be persuaded to incluc: a hurried visit even to a few in the itinerary of their political guests and other visitors engaged in public affairs. This would be a deserving recogni tion of the accomplishments of many thousands of competent staff whe labour hard to make the city a going concern. It would argue the Govern ment's own case as well. Nothing is really gained for Hong Kong by hiding

the Council's light under a bushel.

I so move.

MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (in English):-Mr. Chairman, I rise to second the

motion.

MRS. E. ELLIOTT (in English):-I intend to vote against the motion to show my disapproval for two reasons. The first reason is a very simple reason and would merit abstention. I did not get a copy of this book until I entered this chamber this afternoon. So having had no time to read it, it would be unjustified to vote on it. Secondly, as I mentioned at the meeting of the Council, I do not think this expensive production is warranted and I have several reasons for saying that. First of all, a large number of last year's report were wasted because there was a surplus and they had to be given away. Secondly, although the Hong Kong Annual Report has a stiff cover. I see no reason why this Council should have such an expensive layout for an annual report. Government departments and other councils and advisory bodies use a much simpler and cheaper layout for their annual reports and I think the lavish ones should be left for jubilees and other special occasions. And finally, I want to oppose because I do not think rate-payers should be expected to pay for the prestigious propaganda of individual personalities of this Council.

CHAIRMAN (in English): --Thank you. Does any other Member wish to speak before I ask the Secretary to clarify the points made by Mrs. ELLIOTT of distribution and also the Chairman of the Administration Select Committe to explain the decision on the make-up of the annual report?

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MR. BERNACCHI (in English):-Mr. Chairman, first of all a complaint. I have not had time to read the report. I do not know whether I am at fault but I do not think I am. It only appeared on my table this afternoon so that I cannot really truthfully vote that I approve of what I have not even had time to consider. The other thing is that I do disagree with the fact that ward offices have been relegated to telephone numbers. There is not a line or a word about what we do in our ward offices. Actually the telephone number of my ward office which is 5-561121 is not even there so that I am personally going to refrain from voting although, to give the composers their que, it is nicely set out. I am not entirely in agreement with Mrs. ELLIOTT when she opposes it because of the expense and if the report is a true record of our work, perhaps the expenditure is justified. I am going to refrain from voting myself.

MR. HOWARD H. W. YOUNG (in English):-Mr. Chairman, perhaps the Secretary might clarify the distribution. I definitely recall receiving and seeing the report some time ago and, in fact, it was even discussed at the last Standing Committee meeting where other Members had commented on the report. Perhaps some have gone astray.

CHAIRMAN (in English):-Thank you. You have indeed made the point that the Secretary was asked to clarify.

SECRETARY (in English):-That is correct, Mr. Chairman. I can assure both Mr. BERNACCHI and Mrs. ELLIOTT that copies were distributed many days ago and I am quite certain that I can produce receipts.

MRS. ELLIOTT (in English):—Mr. Chairman, I am quite certain that I haven't had one.

CHAIRMAN (in English):-It was laid on the table at the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Whole Council.

MRS. ELLIOTT (in English):-May I clarify that point, Mr. Chairman. I noticed Dr. HENRY HU next to me had one but there was none on my table.

CHAIRMAN (in English):-It was on the table at the Standing Committee of the Whole Council.

MR. JOHN MACKENZIE (in English):--Mr. Chairman, I would like to confirm that while the report was received a little later than expected, certainly it was intended that all Members would have a copy well before this meeting. In fact, we delayed the adoption of the report at the last meeting, if I recollect correctly, in order that this would be the case. Certainly, it was tabled at the Administration Select Committee meeting, then it was tabled at the Standing Committee meeting and, frankly, I see no reason why Members,