1984 — Page 146

252

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL 11 December 1984

ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):--- Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to

order.

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 1984 were confirmed.

PAPER

The following paper was laid on the table:—

(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and

Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of November 1984.

QUESTION

1. DR. RONALD D. B. LEUNG asked the following question (in English):----As 1985 is International Youth Year, please could I be informed the extent of the Urban Council's participation in the organization of the sponsoring of activities connected with this project? Also, could I be informed how the Urban Council will encourage District Boards to take part in the IYY events?

MR. STEPHEN M. L. Lau, Chairman oF THE AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR, replied as follows (in Cantonese):----This question seeks information on the extent of the Urban Council's participation in the organization and sponsoring of activities connected with the celebrations of the International Youth Year and asked how the District Boards are encouraged to take part in the events.

The United Nations has designated 1985 as the 'International Youth Year' with the main themes on 'Participation, Development, Peace'. Several Councillors are members of the Hong Kong Central Co-ordinating Committee on the International Youth Year which has been established by Government to co-ordinate the organization of International Youth Year activities throughout the territory.

In preparation for the observance of International Youth Year by the Urban Council an Ad-hoc Committee of the Standing Committee of the Whole Council was formed in February 1984. This ad-hoc committee has played a key role in stimulating functional select committees of the Council to plan for participation in and the organization of activities in support of the Year.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL 11 December 1984

Page 146 of 233

253

The Council has plans for a range of activities in support of the theme and spirit of the International Youth Year. Highlights include the Hong Kong International Youth Arts Festival, an International Youth Year Poster Design Competition and a photography competition for young people aged 15 to 25. To further celebrate International Youth Year a special award of $30,000 in the form of a study grant is to be made to the best young artist aged 20 to 25 to enable him/her to visit major art centres overseas. Selected entries for this competition will be displayed in the City Hall Exhibition Hall in October 1985. In addition, participating groups in 'Drama Festival 1985' will be encouraged to create and produce plays relevant to the theme of International Youth Year. Moreover a large number of recurring activities such as sporting events will be dedicated to International Youth Year.

With regard to District Board briefings were given recently by the Central Co- ordinating Committee for International Youth Year. In addition, brochures and other printed material detailing all activities to celebrate International Youth Year, including those organized or sponsored by this Council, will be distributed to all Districts by the Central Co-ordinating Committee. Resources permitting, this Council will be pleased to consider lending support to additional proposals from District Boards and community organizations.

DR. RONALD LEUNG (in English):-Mr. Chairman, may I ask what is the total number of items of programmes organized in different aspects of culture and entertainment?

MR. STEPHEN Lau (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, up to the present moment, we will have 5 programmes organized by the Culture Select Committee, 51 by the Recreation Select Committee and 2 under the Libraries Select Committee. Up to the present moment, the Liquor Licensing Board has not planned any activities but if it is going to encourage drinking. I do not think members would like it.

Dr. Ronald Leung (in English):—Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask one more question. Concerning the last sentence, Mr. LAU mentioned that the support to additional proposals from District Boards and community organizations, I would like Mr. Lau to clarify a bit more on this aspect and in particular, the type of assistance rendered to District Boards.

MR. STEPHEN LAU (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, if the Central Co- ordinating Committee agrees, the Urban Council will consider giving support to District Boards and area committees in provision of venues or joint production, it may be difficult for us to give them cash support.

(Mr. Joseph Y. S. CHAN arrived at this point-2.35 p.m.)