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5. The main objection to the proposed new title is that it may produce a reaction from the Chinese Peoples' Government in Peking. That Government is quick to criticise and to reject any suggestion that Hong Kong is "a country in its own right". It might therefore consider that the new title carried an implication that Hong Kong, as distinct from mainland China, was "home" for the vast majority of the Colony's inhabitants and express objection to it in one way or another. The title might also serve to encourage a vocal minority of residents who are urging that Hong Kong is now home" for a large number of them and that there should be visible recognition of Hong Kong "identity" and "citizenship". However, it is not considered that these dangers are so great as to warrant turning down the proposal.
b) Proposal to raise from five to ten the number of members of
the Legislative Council required to constitute a quorum
6. When the present quorum of five was fixed in 1917, the total membership of the Legislative Council stood at eighteen. Total membership is now twenty six, having been increased by eight in 1964, and the quorum is now considered to be too small. Hong Kong is a small and compact territory and members have no transport problems to contend with in attending Council meetings, as is the case in some other dependent territories. In the circumstances an increase from five to ten in the quorum is considered appropriate.
(c) Proposal to abolish the requirement for a motion in the
Legislative Council to have a seconder
7.
The requirement for a motion to have a seconder has been abolished in the House of Commons and Hong Kong wish to follow suit. No objection is seen to this proposal.
8. There is no legal objection to any of the above proposals.
Background
9.
As regards (a), since 1845 there has been a post in the Hong Kong Service with special responsibilities towards the Chinese community. Originally styled "Registrar General" it was in 1913 restyled "Secretary for Chinese Affairs" which remains the present
title.
10. As regards (b) and (c), these proposals have arisen as a result of a review of the Standing Orders of the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
11. The opportunity will be taken to make one other amendment to the Hong Kong Royal Instructions. This will provide for the transfer to the Public Service Commission of the Executive Council's function of advising the Governor on the disposal of disciplinary cases in the public service. This is a normal development in dependent territories where Public Service Commissions have been established and have acquired the necessary experience and stature.
The
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