ENG-1969 — Page 351

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

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services are to give the man in the street information and guidance on the services provided and functions performed by government departments, to explain rules and procedures, and to supplement broadcast information during tropical storms and other emergencies. During the year the enquiry services handled a total of 355,488 enquiries of all kinds.

In the New Territories the District Commissioner and his five District Officers also exercise political and co-ordinating responsi- bilities, and in addition perform certain executive functions, principally in relation to land administration, with which the City District Officers are not concerned. The arrangements for consul- tation with the people are more formalised to the extent that there is a village representative system. More than 900 Village Repre- sentatives are chosen from over 600 villages. Villages are grouped under 27 Rural Committees, each of which has an executive committee which is elected by secret ballot every two years by Village Representatives. The Rural Committees execute minor works and carry out certain tasks on behalf of the Government, receiving a small monthly subvention to cover their expenses. Within its own area the Rural Committee acts as spokesman for local public opinion, mediates in clan and family disputes, and generally provides a bridge between the New Territories_Adminis- tration and the people.

The chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 27 Rural Committees, with the unofficial New Territories Justices of the Peace and 21 Special Councillors, elected every two years, form the Full Council of the Heung Yee Kuk whose title may be translated into English as 'Rural Consultative Council'. The Kuk serves as a forum of New Territories opinion from which the Government seeks advice on New Territories affairs. Under the constitution established by the Heung Yee Kuk Ordinance, the Kuk has an Executive Com- mittee which meets monthly and consists of the chairmen of Rural Committees, the unofficial New Territories Justices of the Peace and 15 ordinary members elected every two years by the Full Council. The Full Council also elects the chairman and two vice- chairmen of the Kuk, through whom close contact is maintained with the District Commissioner.