XM (85) 2
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13 -
XA4
NPC MEMBERSHIP
The Attorney
General noted that the
new
Electoral Provisions Ordinance would retain the
provision
Parliament.
disqualifying members
of
a foreign
The question of NPC membership
would
therefore certainly be raised in the context of the
Bill. He had already
questions on the subject.
received a number of press
The Governor considered that
it was important to answer in a way which did not quote
the specific provisions of the law. It would be very
damaging to have a public debate on whether China was a
'foreign' country.
2.
among
After some discussion, the consensus
Members was that, in response to questions, it
it should,
for the time being, be said that it would not be
possible under present arrangements for a member of the
NPC to become a member
member of the Legislative Council and
that any change would raise issues of policy which would
require careful consideration. The Governor said there
would be a need for the Council to consider
to consider the issue
more substantially at a later date, given that it would
be raised in the context of the Electoral Provisions
legislation.
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