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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
It is undeniable that in recent months some confidence has been restored. But the phenomenon is only superficial. People are still waiting for a satisfactory, concrete guarantee against changes to their way of living. This is their simple and only demand as well as wish. They also consider that if there are concrete guarantees to the commitments and measures made to fulfil their wish, confidence will be restored and maintained with which there will be continued prosperity. In regard to the future of Hong Kong, therefore, prosperity, confidence, and guarantee will go hand in hand and are important factors in the future of Hong Kong.
Prosperity, confidence, and guarantee are really closely linked with one another.
The question of 'guarantee' is a rather difficult one. We have no reason to doubt the commitments of the leadership of a new generation in our own country, but to stay away from the rule by man, or the rule by different men, I would like to propose the following:
(a) With regard to the mini-constitution for Hong Kong after 1997, it should not be regarded as an appendix to Article 31 of the Chinese Constitution, but rather as statutory laws of Autonomous Hong Kong after 1997. Also, those important social customs and ways of living which are not included in the statutory laws should be recognized as part of the common laws. The provisions in the mini-constitution should be fully examined beforehand and, after approval by China, be regarded as being enacted by the Autonomous Government of Hong Kong and China's authority. The mini-constitution should be recognized in Article 31 of the Chinese Constitution.
(b) Strict provisions must be made governing amendments to the mini-constitution. Amendments should only be made under certain specific circumstances and are to be carried out by the Autonomous Government of Hong Kong upon mutual agreement between the Chinese Government and the Autonomous Government.
(c) I don't think Hong Kong should be called a special economic zone but rather it should be called the 'Hong Kong Autonomous Region'. I am sure this will help in stabilizing confidence in Hong Kong.
(d) The Autonomous Government of Hong Kong may take part in China's National Congress as a District Government and may also take part in the British Commonwealth Conference as a 'guest'.
(e) British officials should be retained in the Autonomous Government as 'Consultants' or 'Advisors' (but not as administrative heads) to assist in the administration.
(f) Some of the experienced administrators (British or otherwise) should be retained.
(g) An official promulgation should be made to the effect that all land leases expired may be renewed for another 50 years or more.
(h) An official promulgation should be made to the effect that the legislation, the administration, and the judiciary be indefinitely independent of outside control.
I believe that if some or all of these points are accepted, the problem of confidence will be solved and there is no need to ask for some form of 'international guarantee' which is really a slight on the Chinese.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support the motion.
THE HONOURABLE F. K. Hu (in English):-Mr. Chairman, in 1983 there were three cultural centres in the urban areas-the City Hall, the Ko Shan Theatre, and the Aberdeen Cultural Centre-managed by the Council through the Urban Services Department.
Efforts are made to maintain the City Hall as the major cultural centre of Hong Kong, to improve the existing facilities and services in it and its environment, as well as to offer its experience and facilities to local cultural organizations and young artists for the presentation of a wide variety of cultural programmes of a high standard. Major improvement projects completed in 1983 include additional fire detection and prevention equipment, installation of a new emergency generator, replacement of ceiling lighting in the High Block, reflooring of the High Block Foyer with marble tiles, replacement of chiller plants of the air-conditioning system, and re-upholstery of auditorium seats. In addition, a music and book shop was opened in May 1983 for the sales of musical books, appliances, and Urban Council publications.
The Ko Shan Theatre was opened on 29 March 1983 as a regional centre for quality cultural and entertainment programmes, and marketing efforts are made to promote the venue and to ensure its maximum usage. With increased popularity, the number of performances has steadily increased from an average of 4 per month since opening to 22 in December 1983.
Since its opening in July 1983, efforts are made to establish and maintain the Aberdeen Cultural Centre and to promote its maximum usage by presenting appropriate activities and through marketing efforts.
Planned activities and improvements of these venues for the 84-85 year will be as follows:-
Planned improvement projects in the year 84-85 for City Hall include provision of 24-hour air-conditioning to the Museum of Art and the renovation of the fountain pool in the memorial garden and also the addition of more sophisticated lighting, sound, and stage equipment to the venue.
Ko Shan Theatre has been in use for nine months. The Department should be aware of various teething troubles in different areas regarding the operation of the Theatre. Therefore, further efforts should be directed to improve the facilities.
Page 116 of 194
197
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 115
Page 116
Page 115 of 194
196
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
It is undeniable that in recent months some confidence has been restored. ba the phenomenon is only superficial. People are still waiting for a satisfactory, concrete guarantee against changes to their way of living. This is their simple and only demand as well as wish. They also consider that if there are concrete guarantees to the commitments and measures made to fulfil their wish confidence will be restored and maintained with which there will be continued prosperity. In regard to the future of Hong Kong therefore, prosper confidence and guarantee will go hand in hand and are important factors in the
future of Hong Kong.
Prosperity, confidence and guarantee are really closely linked with one
another.
doubt the commitments of the leadership of a new generation in our ow The question of guarantee' is a rather difficult one. We have no reason t
country, but to stay away from the rule by man, or the rule by different men,!
would like to propose the following:
(a) With regard to the mini-constitution for Hong Kong after 1997,
should not be regarded as an appendix to Article 31 of the Chines Constitution, but rather as statutory laws of Autonomous Hong Kong after 1997. Also, those important social customs and ways of livin which are not included in the statutory laws should be recognized as par of the common laws. The provisions in the mini-constitution should fully examined beforehand and, after approval by China, be regarded a being enacted by the Autonomous Government of Hong Kong an China's authority. The mini-constitution should be recognized in Article 31 of the Chinese Constitution.
(b) Strict provisions must be made governing amendments to the mini- constitution. Amendments should only be made under certain specific circumstances and are to be carried out by the Autonomous Govern ment of Hong Kong upon mutual agreement between the Chinese Government and the Autonomous Government.
(c) I don't think Hong Kong should be called a special economic zone bu rather it should be called the 'Hong Kong Autonomous Region'. I am sure this will help in stabilizing confidence in Hong Kong. (d) The Autonomous Government of Hong Kong may take part in China's
National Congress as a District Government and may also take part the British Commonwealth Conference as a 'guest'.
(e) British officials should be retained in the Autonomous Government 2 'Consultants' or ‘Advisors' (but not as administrative heads) to assist: the administration.
(f) Some of the experienced administrators (British or otherwise) should
retained.
(g) An official promulgation should be made to the effect that all land leass
expired may be renewed for another 50 years or more.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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197
(h) An official promulgation should be made to the effect that the legisla- tion, the administration and the judiciary be indefinitely independent of
outside control.
I believe that if some or all of these points are accepted, the problem of confidence will be solved and there is no need to ask for some form of 'international guarantee' which is really a slight on the Chinese.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support the motion.
THE HONOURABLE F. K. Hu (in English):-Mr. Chairman, in 1983 there were three cultural centres in the urban areas-the City Hall, the Ko Shan Theatre and the Aberdeen Cultural Centre-managed by the Council through the Urban Services Department.
Efforts are made to maintain the City Hall as the major cultural centre of Hong Kong, to improve the existing facilities and services in it and its environment as well as to offer its experience and facilities to local cultural organizations and young artists for the presentation of a wide variety of cultural programmes of a high standard. Major improvement projects completed in 1983 include additional fire detection and prevention equipment, installation of a new emergency generator, replacement of ceiling lighting to the High Block, reflooring of the High Block Foyer with marble tiles, replacement of chiller plants of air-conditioning system and re-upholstery of auditorium seats. In addition, a music and book shop was opened in May 1983 for the sales of musical books, appliances and Urban Council publications.
The Ko Shan Theatre was opened on 29 March 1983 as a regional centre for quality cultural and entertainment programmes and marketing efforts are made to promote the venue and to ensure its maximum usage. With increased popularity, the number of performance has steadily increased from the average of 4 per month for the period since opening to 22 in December 1983.
Since its opening in July 1983, efforts are made to establish and maintain the Aberdeen Cultural Centre and to promote its maximum usage by presenting appropriate activities and through marketing efforts.
Planned activities and improvements of these venues for the 84-85 year will be as follows:-
Planned improvement projects in the year 84-85 for City Hall include provision of 24-hour air-conditioning to the Museum of Art and the renovation of the fountain pool in the memorial garden and also the addition of more sophiscated lighting, sound and stage equipment to the venue.
Ko Shan Theatre has been in use for nine months. The Department shoud be aware of various teething troubles in different areas on the operation of the Theatre. Therefore, further efforts should be directed to improve the facilities
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