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the proposal might give rise to confusion in Government leadership. To solve part of the problem especially before 1997, it was suggested that the Presiding Officer of Legislative Council should be made Deputy Governor and have the right to attend all Executive Council meetings.
(4)
3.23
Other Remarks
Number of appointed Unofficials
and Officials in Legislative Council
The Green Paper proposed that with the introduction of elected Unofficial members into Legislative Council, the number of appointel Unofficial members should be progressively reduced from the present 29 to 16 by 1988. The proposal did not attract much public discussion but the response was generally favourable. A few commented on the merit of retaining appointed members in the initial period to provide the necessary balance.
3.24
There were very few comments on the reduction and ultimate elimination of Official members on Legislative Council.
Review in 1989
3.25
The Green Paper proposed that there should be a review of the position in 1989, following the elections in 1988, with a view to deciding what further developments might be pursued. Public comments generally supported the proposed review but considered that it should be brought forward to 1987 when an evaluation could be made of the 1985 District Boards election and the Urban Council/Regional Council election in 1986. The timing would also be appropriate to allow for further changes to prepare for 1997.
Period of consultation
3.26
A number of people commented that the two months' period allowed for public consultation was too short for a major issue affecting the political structure of Hong Kong. Some pointed out that it
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