- 5
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and there will be a need before the 1988 elections to consider further not only the question of direct elections but other issues raised in the Green Paper in the light of the provisions of the draft agreement on the future of Hong Kong. Given these developments and the strong public feeling on the issue, the Government has decided to hold a general review in 1987. This will
This
assess progress, and recommend what further measures
measures should be pursued in the future.
Executive Council
20
As regards the Executive Council, it was proposed in the Green Paper that the Unofficial members of the Legislative Council should, in due course,
course, elect the majority of Unofficial members from among their own number. There was some support for the arrangements proposed: Executive Council.
others, however, considered that a future Chief should be free to select his own Executive
Ministerial System
21
There has also been considerable public comment on the possibility of introducing a ministerial system. Many people expressed support for the introduction of some form of ministerial system in future to give the Unofficial members of the Executive Council more authority to monitor and control the policies and operations of the Government.
22
But this is not the only way of proceeding. Nor can the proposal be considered separately from the wider issues of the future composition of the Executive Council, its relationship with the Legislative Council, and the future position of Official Members of both Councils.
23
It is not intended to make any changes affecting the Executive Council in 1985. The whole question of the executive and its composition and role will remain open for further consideration and public discussion at a later stage.
The Governor
:
24
The proposal in the Green Paper that the Governor should be replaced in due course as President of
of the Legislative Council by a Presiding Officer elected by Unofficial members of the Legislative Council from among their own number was generally well received, although it