ON
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was unreasonable to expect the Hong Kong people to digest the ramifications of the paper when two of the more important papers affecting the future of Hong Kong were missing: namely the draft Sino-British Agreement and the Basic Law. They felt that without a clear picture of Hong Kong in 1997, the people could not reasonably discuss the proposals contained in the Green Paper. There were comments to the effect that it was important to consult the Chinese government before pushing ahead with political changes which would affect Hong Kong beyond 1997.
Ministerial government
3.27
The Hong Kong Affairs Society commented that starting from 1985, select committees should be formed in the Legislative Council to supervise the work of each Government department. The proposal had the support of a number of Legislative Council members who advocated a ministerial government which would be more involved in advising and directing government policies, and thus become more accountable to the general public.
Civic education
3.28
Nearly all commented on the importance of educating the people of Hong Kong on the current structure of the Government, and on the proposed political changes. They urged that more should be done in the form of civic education for the public so as to prepare them for the changes ahead.
CONFIDENTIAL