for me or for my parliamentary colleagues to preach or to try and convert Hong Kong, the people of Hong Kong, to a Westminster form of parliamentary democracy. That may suit us, but it has taken us over 700 years, since 1265 to be precise, to evolve that form of democracy. Now I represent that form of democracy in Westminster. I would not dream of trying to be superior enough to sell it to you and that doesn't mean that I am against that form of democracy or that I am saying that it is unsuitable for you. What I have actually been saying all along and trying to say in this conference this morning, it is up to you the people of Hong Kong with the unique system of governments that you have which we Saw in the elected representatives and at the new meeting of LEGCO yesterday. Now that is quite unique. I don't know of any parallel to it in the world. It is up to you to develop your own system of governments, including representative government, over the years ahead, and naturally in that you will be conscious of the need to ensure smooth transition in 1997. So I am not preaching either for Westminster or against Westminster. I am just saying that it is a matter that you all, the people of Hong Kong, have got to think about and through the many channels that are open to you make your views known.
MR Roberts: We have enough time for just two or three questions! QUESTION:
Stephen Morgan from the Hong Kong Standard: Mr Renton, on your arrival here you said that the British government would honour its obligations to the people of Hong Kong. Does this include an obligation to bring about the same rights and democratic participation that your own constituents have in electing you to your position, that is, can we see or would you support a development of direct elections here in Hong Kong?
MR RENTON :
Well, you really bring me back very strongly, and I don't want to repeat myself, we have only a little time to go, but to the question I have just answered. I think that everything that happens in Hong Kong, must both reflect the wishes
That and desires of the Hong Kong people. It must also be aimed to promote and continue the prosperity and stability that is at the heart of Hong Kong's economic growth of the last generation. NOW because I am a product of a system that has evolved since Simon de Montfort, the first called representative of the boroughs to