GIS 18
Friday, January 17, 1975
Attention News Editors:
We have been asked a number of questions concerning Lord Goronwy- Roberts' answer to a question at the press conference yesterday concerning wider representation in the Legislative Council.
In answer, the Minister said that it had been British policy to advance all territories progressively in stages towards self-government and independence but that any move towards greater representative government must be a matter for Hong Kong. He also emphasised that the British Government did not expect anybody to move simply because
movement is a good thing and that constitutional development must be related to all manner of consideråtions, some very sensitive indeed.
Commenting on this statement a government spokesman said the extension of any elected form of government, whether it be local of a city character, must be approached with caution in view of the constitution of Hong Kong and of our geographical and political position which, as the Minister suggested, is very sensitive indeed. But this does not mean that progress cannot be made in finding ways and means for greater participation in policy thought and policy making.
Time: 1740 hours/HLC
Date:
January 17, 1975.
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