8
Additionally, there would be many delegates from
Hong Kong sitting in the National People's Congress and the
Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference who would
act as a bridge between the Hong Kong SAR and the Central
Government in Beijing, plus the linkage with the Hong Kong
and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council.
In effect, Hong Kong's National People's Congress
and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
delegates could well provide useful advice to the Chief
Executive.
Executive Council
As to the Executive Council, I see no reason why we
should not continue with the present structure even after
1997. It has contributed much to Hong Kong's stability and
prosperity, but of course there will have to be changes in
the representative nature and manner of selecting members to
this Council in the coming years.
The executive responsibilities of the Governor
should gradually be transferred to Executive Councillors by
stages. In the run-up to 1997, appointments of Executive
Councillors should still require the final approval of the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure that Britain is
responsible for the administration of Hong Kong under the
Joint Declaration. At the same time, through consultation
and concensus, the Governor will ensure that the appointments
have a majority or wide enough support in the Legislative
Council.
/AS