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Hong Kong

Volume 28: debated on Friday 30 July 1982

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asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of those eligible to do so registered to vote for members of district boards in the urban areas of Hong Kong; and when these elections will take place.

About 706,833 people registered to vote in the district board elections in the urban area. This represents 35·3 per cent. of those eligible to register. The elections will take place on 23 September.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of those eligible to do so registered to vote for members of district boards for the new territories in Hong Kong; and how many voted in the elections in March.

About 192,726 people—28·8 per cent. of those eligible—registered to vote in the district board elections in the New Territories in March. 97,788—50·7 per cent. of those registered—voted.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funds the newly established district boards in Hong Kong will have at their disposal; and for what purposes.

In 1982–83, the 18 district boards will have a total of $29,625,000 to spend on minor local public works such as the provision of vehicle tracks, footpaths, shelters and temporary playgrounds, and on community activities such as local arts festivals, sports festivals and children's choirs.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of those eligible to do so registered to vote in each of the past three urban council elections in Hong Kong; and how many voted.

It is estimated that approximately 500,000 electors were eligible under the old franchise to vote in past urban council elections. In 1977, 37,174 registered to vote and 7,308 voted. In 1979, 31,481 registered and 12,426 voted. In 1981, 34,381 registered and 6,195 voted.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government of Hong Kong have taken to encourage people to register for and vote in the elections for district boards.

The Hong Kong Government mounted a comprehensive publicity campaign to encourage people to register and vote. This included advertisements, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and visits to households. Prospective candidates were encouraged to come forward, leaflets listing candidates were issued and a network of polling stations established to facilitate voting.