0003160 G.F. 316
$
(h)
Achievements
3.
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measures designed to ensure that the people of Hong Kong realize that the policies of the H. K. Government are in their own best interests.
Given the scope of the problems with which departments have been faced in the recent past there can be no doubt that Government's achievements in promoting the welfare of the people in Hong Kong have been substantial, and have been recognised as such by all independent observers, It can be assumed that these achievements played some considerable part in creating the widespread support for Government which found expression in the events of 1967; the improvements in living conditions and living standards over the past 10 years are there for all to see.
Constitutional limitations
4.
It is sometimes argued that a Government genuinely concerned with the welfare of its people would take more positive steps than has been the case in Hong Kong to give them a greater share in the government on an elected basis. The fact is that the C, P, G. will accept the present situation only for as long as there are no constitutional changes which might be interpreted as pointing towards self-government; and apart from this, any electoral processes leading to a genuine control of the affairs of Government would open the door to a confrontation between left-wing and right-wing supporters in Hong Kong. The latter consideration is widely recognised by the public, hence the absence of any popular pressure for an elected Legislative Council from those whose homes are in Hong Kong, At the same time, the growth of a settled middle class in Hong Kong is generating a greater public interest in the workings of Government, and a greater readiness (if not expectation) to play some part in community affairs; this needs to be harnessed to con- structive ends.
5.
When policies and programmes are being formulated much attention is focussed upon the relevance of informed and independent opinion; indeed this process is probably taken further in Hong Kong than in most territories, and the delays inherent in the process have to be accepted. Equally, it must be recognised and accepted that it is not always easy to get effective unofficial participation in such advisory groups, and that considerable encouragement is needed to secure con- structive unofficial contributions. Advisory boards and committees, departmental contacts with the public or particular clients (e.g. occupants of resettlement estates; factory workers), and the machinery of the Secretariat for Home Affairs (especially the City District Officer machinery) and the New Territories Administration all help in this process. In particular, the City District Office scheme opens up new opportunities in this direction, and every advantage should be taken of the scope it offers for consulting public opinion on particular district projects.
The basic requirement; employment.
6.
Opportunities to play some part in Government processes, good social services and acceptance of Government's concern for the
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/public