ENG-1967 — Page 355

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CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

Hong Kong's drive against narcotics is co-ordinated by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, with the help of a strongly con- stituted Narcotics Advisory Committee at policy level, and another and larger Action Committee Against Narcotics. The Action Com- mittee effectively provides at operational level for the fullest exchange of opinions and information, and for a system of practical co- ordination between nine executive branches of the government and seven voluntary organizations.

Particular responsibilities with regard to some of Hong Kong's housing problems come to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs through his participation in two housing organizations, in the Urban Council and the Housing Board, and through the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs' tenancy enquiry bureaux. In practice these bureaux are primarily concerned with the rights, obligations and welfare of the tenants of any building which has to be condemned and of any rent-controlled premises which a landlord wishes to re-develop.

Other administrative functions include 'district office' work in New Kowloon and the rural areas of Hong Kong Island, investiga- tion into claims to British nationality or for naturalization, fireworks control, registration of newspapers, support for Chinese social welfare activities, Chinese cemeteries, confidential mediation in a variety of domestic, tenants' and other disputes, and the provision of traditional 'go-between' facilities should there be any misunder- standing between another department and some section of the Chinese public over matters which are not purely professional or technical.

The Urban Council consists of 26 members—six ex officio mem- bers and 20 ordinary members of whom 10 are elected and 10 are appointed by the Governor. Of the ex officio members, the Director of Urban Services Department sits as chairman of the Council, and the Deputy Director of Medical and Health Services as vice- chairman. The others are the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, the Director of Public Works, the Director of Social Welfare and the Commissioner for Resettlement. The term of office of an ordinary member is four years. The Council meets monthly to transact formal business, but most of its business is dealt with by 16 select committees which meet at frequent intervals. All select committees