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A Consultation Report on the Review of District Organisations was published today (Friday) by the Constitutional Affairs Bureau.

The report summaries public views on the structure, functions and composition of district organisations collected during the public consultation exercise in June and July 1998. It also sets out the future structure for the delivery of municipal services.

Moreover, it sets out the Government's intention to set up a new dedicated department for food and environmental hygiene and a new policy bureau for food and the environment. An advisory committee will also be set up to give advice and to monitor work in these areas.

A new framework for the arts and culture, and sports and recreation services will be developed and community and professional participation in these areas will be strengthened.

The Provisional Municipal Councils need not be retained after the terms of office of their members expire at the end of 1999.

The 18 District Boards will be retained. Their role in advising the Government on district matters and in monitoring the delivery of municipal services will be enhanced. They will be given additional resources to support local arts and recreational activities and community building programmes.

Election of the District Boards (which will be renamed "District Councils")will be held before the end of 1999.

The consultation report is available for collection at the 18 District Offices.

It can also be downloaded from the Constitutional Affairs Bureau homepage on the Internet (http://www.info.gov.hk/cab) early next week.

Meanwhile, a limited number of copies of the Compendium of Public Views issued in September this year are still available for collection at the Information Services Department, 17th floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai.

End/Friday, October 9, 1998

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