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the review will consider possible developments in the porori composition and method of selection of the Executive Council, including ways and means of devising a link and the extent of that link between the Executive Council and the Legislativa Council by, for
for example, some form of mfaisterial synteti. Thirdly, the review will consider whether there should be any changes to the position of the Governor in relation to both tho Legislative Council and the Executive Council. And, fourthly, the review will consider the need for,
for, and timing of, further review or reviews.
Public Reaction to the White Paper
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any
Public reaction to the Government's plans-announced fa the White Paper has been generally favourable, as evidenced by reports in the media and comments made by many members of District Boards and some members of the Urban Council. bera have been some claims
claims for representation through additional functional constituencies, from such organisations and groups as the Heung Yea Kuk, the Hong Kong Society of Accountanto, religious bodies, the media, social workers, civil servants and ethnic minorities. These claims have been carefully considered but, for a variety of reasons, it has not been possible to accept them, at any rate at this stage.
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There clearly has to be some limit on the number of functional· constituencies which cao be included in the now Legislative Council to start with. Moreover, having regard to the objectives of this whole exercise,. a careful balance bas to be struck between the various component elementa - olacted, appointed, official - that will make up the new Council. This is not to say that the claims of these organisations and groups are without merit, or that they are unimportant, let alone that their contribution to the economic and social well-being of the " community is not recognised, The interests of some of thado. organisations and groups will no doubt be reflected through Unofficial Members elected by the electoral college OF appointed by you, Sir, In any case,.. the review..in 1987 will provide an opportunity to consider.. whather
to consider... whather any additional functional constituencies should be established.
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Since the "White Paper was published, there have also been some repewed demands for the introduction of direct elections to the Legislative Council, although there bas baco general acceptance that direct elections should not be introduced immediately. I should make it quite clear that, although the Government does not consider that it would be either timely or wise to introduce direct elections just now, it does not object in principle to this particular method of acquiring membership. At this stage, bowever, it is essential ..not. to put at risk, the harmony, and atability of Hong Kong: by, introducing too many major constitutional reforms too rapidly or to overload the system (including the civil service and the Administration) with too many changes simultaneously.
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