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in finding persons of the right calibre.
Behind this thought is the knowledge that a large part of the Legislative Council's work is underteken behind the scenes in full cooperation with the Government. Consequently experience, competence and discretion are essential requirements of Council Members. A good knowledge of English is also important for the work, even though the public sessions of the Council allow for the use of Centonese. The right persons, in the Governor's view, would emerge in time from such sources as the local Community groups known as Mutual Aid Committees (MACS) instituted in 1973.
4.
The Secretary of State, following representations from the NAC, was unconvinced that progress towards the widening of the social basis of a nominated LegCo should necessarily be as slow as has been recommended to him. He found it difficult to conceive that it would not be possible to find three suitable people, preferably from the MACs, when the terms of membership of ten Members of LegCo expire next June. He was not convinced that the introduction of Hembers representing a different social background would be disruptive to good government in Hong Kong, particularly bearing in mind the fact that the Legislative Council is advisory and not executive in character. He believes that it would be
difficult for him to defend the, present situation on the grounds that the body needs to be as socially cohesive as it is at present if it is to function efficiently or that rapid promotion from, say, a MAC would be impossible. In his view, the aim should be to look for people with adequate potential, not necessarily people who are ready for full and effective participation in the Legislative Council's activities now.
5.
Those views were conveyed to the Governor, who is now taking active steps to find three Members from a wider social background. He consulted us prior to his annual address in October on a statement concerning the limitations and possibilities of change in LegCo. He decided to make references to the potentiel in LegCo to evolve further, saying that "given time and right people and will and I believe the will is there there is plenty of room for change". He has subsequently explained that his decision to
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