ENG-1974 — Page 298

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

213

information on new techniques in translation and many useful references which are instrumental in raising the standard of translation in the government to an interna- tionally accepted level.

During the year, the Chinese Language Authority of the Home Affairs Depart- ment continued to provide high quality translation of a complex nature. Major projects undertaken included the Hong Kong annual report (Hong Kong 1975), the Economic Background to the 1974-5 Budget, the Green Paper on Transport in Hong Kong, the White Paper on the Problem of Dangerous Drugs in Hong Kong and the Interim Report on Social Causes of Crime.

A pilot study was made on the use of Chinese in government departments, and as a result new procedures and methods are being planned to review departmental prac- tices concerning the use of Chinese and to provide advice and guidance to departments. A study of Chinese documentary forms and styles was also initiated during the year.

Simultaneous interpretation facilities were maintained at meetings of Legislative Council and the Urban Council and its standing committee. Consecutive interpretation facilities were also provided at other government committee meetings including that of the Consumers' Council. An English-Chinese Glossary project of applied legal terms undertaken by the Chinese University of Hong Kong under the sponsorship of the government was completed and will be published in early 1975. This will provide a useful work of reference for government departments as well as for the public.

Advisory Committees

One important feature of the administration system in Hong Kong is the compre- hensive network of more than 100 advisory bodies on which government officers and members of the public sit together to formulate advice to the government on matters of major importance. Examples are such bodies as the Board of Education, Medical Development Advisory Committee, Social Welfare Advisory Committee, Labour Ad- visory Board, Trade and Industry Advisory Board, Transport Advisory Committee, and the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN).

Grievances

In Hong Kong there are several well-developed channels for the examination of complaints from members of the public and for helping people who have difficulty in their dealings with government departments. Probably the most commonly used chan- nel is an appeal or complaint to the department concerned, which will ensure a review at a higher level. Another method is a letter to the Governor or the Colonial Secretary, which will also ensure that the matter is reconsidered. Complaints and representations are also dealt with by the office run by unofficial members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council-commonly referred to as the UMELCO office. City District Officers and District Officers in the New Territories also receive and investigate com- plaints. The absence of any statutory powers of investigation is offset by a lack of restriction on the type of complaint which UMELCO and the District and City District Officers can receive and investigate. Both systems deal effectively with many grievances.