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natural step in our evolution should not negate the good that the old system has done in ensuring that by and large opinions and feelings of the population's strong objection are reviewed, amended or withdrawn. It has also guaranteed that are taken into account and in most cases policies and legislation that attract

the rights of the individual and all the freedoms that we enjoy, which are considerable, particularly if you compare them to our neighbouring states, some of which even claim to have a democratic system.

are

trying periods in our history, because we feel that the two vital supports to our The people of Hong Kong are undoubtedly experiencing one of the most right of private

present life style and prosperity—our freedoms and our ownership would be reduced or taken from us in 1997. Our two main causes

of frustration are:

(1) firstly the confidentiality of the Sino-British talks

(2) and secondly China's reluctance to acknowledge our fears and to take actions which the people of Hong Kong have confidence in to quell

those fears.

I believe the time has come for China and Britain to inform the people of Hong Kong the progress of the talks, so that we are truly consulted as to the acceptability of the proposed solution.

Furthermore, I appeal to China to face squarely the fears of the Hong Kong people, and to do her utmost to allay those fears. Words of assurance are not enough. And here I must make it clear that I do not doubt the sincerity of the Chinese leaders. But deeds, not only of the cultural revolution, but of today, such as executions without trial, purge of mental pollution, and jailing of Catholic priests in China, enhance those fears. I am not questioning the policies of China. I am sure there are good reasons for them to be adopted to cope with conditions in China. But this is the point. The conditions in China and those in Hong Kong are so very different. Problems arising out of those respective conditions, the understanding of them and the way to deal with them must necessarily be different. Chinese leaders have assured us that they will allow two systems within one country. How can insulation be ensured, and how can the presence of such insulation be guaranteed? This may, I suggest, is the question that China should address itself to most urgently, if she wishes to see a return of confidence in our future.

Now Sir, may I turn to the work of the Council. One of the best developments that has taken place in Hong Kong in the last year is the relationship between the District Boards in the Urban Area and the Urban Council.

With very few exceptions, Councillors as well as Urban Services Departmental staff have co-operated well in explaining the role and work of the Council to the District Boards, and in turn reflecting their views and requests and suggestions back to the Department and the Council for consideration and action.

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Now that the introductions are done, and amicable relationships established, I see the increasing demand for the voices from the Districts to be heard, and this demand will undoubtedly affect the planning and implementation of the Council's work. Occasionally it might even hold back certain programmes here and there. In spite of this, I am absolutely certain that this is a development for the better. Not only is it better, it is indeed necessary that the Council is at all times fully aware of the thinking and feeling of the public which it aims to serve. One of the main areas of the Council's works which generates the most discussion and debate in District Boards is our Capital Works Programme. With the number of hawkers on the increase, the call for new markets is understandable. With a more educated generation of young people, provisions for recreational and cultural facilities are, and will continue to be, in great demand. On the other hand, in spite of expectations in improvements to environmental hygiene, most people dislike the idea of R.C.P.s (Refuse Collection Points) being located close to them, thus decisions regarding their positions are often questioned, and objections from near-by residents not unusual.

In the past, it is not the Council's policy to categorize our capital works according to their geographical distribution or that of their users. In other words, every market complex, stadium or games hall is a territory-wide facility. The fact that Aberdeen Complex is being used almost exclusively by residents of Aberdeen is, as far as the Council is concerned, a situation created by circumstances rather than design. Queen Elizabeth Stadium must be made available, and rightly so, to users from Sham Shui Po as well as Wan Chai.

There seem to be three reasons behind this thinking.

When these projects were planned, it was long before the birth of District Boards, and thus the 'think District' concept was not as clear-cut then as now.

Secondly, even when district demands became more defined, there was still a fair share of the building programme which was answering to regional or territory-wide needs.

Thirdly, the designation of district facilities might lead to claims by district residents for priority treatment, and thereby restricting the flexibility presently available to management and the general public for the maximization of their usage.

These reasons were, under circumstances in the past, legitimate ones. But the times have changed. So have the needs.

In my view, there is now the need to categorize our facilities into three types: territory-wide, regional and district.

This is necessary for planning purposes as well as for better communication and understanding between the Council and the District Boards.

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