(j) In due course, the Governor should be replaced as of the Legislative Council by a Officer elected by the Unofficial members of the Legislative Council from among their Own number. This change might be introduced in two stages. No proposals were made, however, in respect of the Governor's powers relating to the proceedings of the Executive Council or about the future method of selecting the Governor. These matters were left for consideration at a later stage.
PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER
4
The Green
Paper stimulated substantial comment and debate. Various groups and organisations have formed specifically to consider political and constitutional development and to promote the concept of developing the system of government in Hong Kong.
5
Several hundred written submissions have been received from a wide variety of organisations, groups and individuals. These comments, together with the views expressed in the media and elsewhere, have been collated and assessed. Generally speaking, the gradual and progressive nature of the Green Paper's proposals has been supported. The need to ensure that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong is not put risk by introducing changes too hastily has also been widely recognised, and most people have accepted the proposals as a realistic and practical framework for the development of representative government at the central level during the next few years.
6
Public response to the main proposals described paragraph 3 above is considered in more detail connection with the main proposals for the White Paper.
7
below
at
in
in
The written and public comments, including those made by Unofficial members in the Legislative Council on
Council on 2 August 1984, those made by Urban Councillors in debate on 4 and 6 September 1984 and in the resolution by the Standing Committee of the Whole Council on 27 September 1984, and those made by the members of the eighteen District Boards during the many debates and discussions, have been studied. As a result, certain broad conclusions have been reached which are outlined below. Subject to Members' advice, it is intended to prepare the draft White Paper on the basis of these conclusions.
CONFIDENTIAL