8. The Monitors audited the day to day work of the Assessment
Office. They were given full access to the Assessment Office's
work, received all submissions addressed to the Assessment Office, and attended selected parts of the consultative process. While
acknowledging that since Hong Kong had never before experienced such
a massive consultation and assessment exercise some difficulties
were to be expected, the Monitors judge that the Assessment Office
staff fulfilled their functions conscientiously and with integrity.
9. The Monitors state their satisfaction that the Assessment Office
carried out its task impartially, faithfully and accurately.
They
unreservedly endorse the conclusion of the Assessment Office that
"most of the people of Hong Kong found the draft agreement
acceptable", while noting that the overwhelming message of acceptance is accompanied by an "agenda" of reservations,
qualifications and questions.