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Following is the speech given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the District Councils Day lunch reception today (November 18):

Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members of various District Councils,

This morning, you have all come together at the "District Administration in the New Millennium" Seminar, and have put forward a lot of valuable advice and suggestions. I am sure your views will be heeded and follow-up actions will be taken by the Home Affairs Bureau and the Home Affairs Department.

At today's lunch, I am very pleased to celebrate with you the first District Council Day since the setting up of our District Councils, formerly known as the District Boards. Since their inception in 1982, the District Councils have advised us widely on district and territory-wide affairs. After the Reunification, the Councils have in particular played a more active role in encouraging members of the community to take part in district affairs to foster a sense of belonging and a spirit of mutual help. The Councils have hence become a major bridge of communication between the public and the Government. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the contribution made by all District Councils.

It has almost been a year since the establishment of the first District Councils of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In my Policy Addresses delivered in 1998 and 1999, I pledged to reinforce the functions of the District Councils and various measures have since been carried out to achieve our commitment gradually. For instance, we have invited all Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the District Councils to join their respective District Management Committee as members to enable them to work more directly and effectively with various Government departments in addressing district problems and responding to the needs of the local community. Besides, we have put in more resources to the District Councils in a bid to step up our efforts in environmental improvement and community development. Of course, I know the Government can do much better. Therefore, I pledged in my Policy Address this year to enhance the roles played by the District Councils in district affairs and consider ways to give the Councils better support. In due course, the Home Affairs Bureau will conduct a comprehensive review to achieve this end.

Today, my colleagues and I are delighted to join you at this lunch. We can easily feel the harmony and spirit of cooperation between the District Councils and the Government. It is my earnest hope that in the new millennium, all District Councils will continue to play an active role in district affairs.

May I invite all of you to join my toast to the success of the District Council Day. It is my wish that the partnership between the District Councils and the Government will be enhanced and we will work with concerted efforts for a better Hong Kong. Cheers!

End/Saturday, November 18, 2000

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