ENG-1999 — Page 41

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

Provisional Regional Council

The Provisional Regional Council was responsible for environmental hygiene, food safety, liquor licensing, public health, sanitation and the provision of recreational, sports and cultural facilities and services in the New Territories and the outlying islands. The council served a community of over three million or almost half the local population.

The council also had 50 members, who elected the chairman and vice-chairman from among themselves. Council decisions were implemented by its executive arm, the Regional Services Department, which was headed by the Director of Regional Services and had a staff of about 11 500. The council was financially autonomous. Its main source of revenue was a share of the rates collected in the area it served. In 1998-99, this provided about 66 per cent of total revenue. The rest came from the Government's one-off grant, fees and charges, and rental income from market stalls, kiosks and restaurants. In 1998-99, total revenue was $5.12 billion, while total expenditure stood at $5.42 billion. The deficit of $300 million was met by the council's reserves.

The council discharged its responsibilities through five functional select committees and the Liquor Licensing Board. The five select committees were responsible for capital works, culture and arts, environmental hygiene, finance and administration, and recreation and sports. The Liquor Licensing Board met quarterly to consider contested applications.

The council had established nine geographically-based district committees to monitor the provision of municipal services and facilities. Each district committee comprised Provisional Regional Council members and other members co-opted from provisional district boards and the local community.

All proceedings of the council and its committees were open to the public except when confidential issues such as arrangements involving commercial information were discussed.

The Provisional Urban and Provisional Regional Councils were represented on several organisations, including the Hong Kong Sports Development Board and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, the work of which was closely related to the councils' responsibilities.

To strengthen communication between the Provisional Regional Council and the public, three councillors met the public, by appointment, once a week on a duty roster to hear views and deal with complaints.

District Administration

The District Administration Scheme commenced in 1982 with the establishment of a District Board and a District Management Committee in each district. Through the scheme, the Government promotes public participation in district affairs and fosters among the people of Hong Kong a sense of belonging and mutual care. The scheme also helps to ensure that the Government is responsive to district needs and problems.

From July 1, 1997, 18 Provisional District Boards, with 469 members appointed by the Chief Executive, replaced the former District Boards. The boards' main function was to advise the Government on matters affecting the well-being of the people living

HONG KONG PUBLIC LIBRARIES

15