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12.
In other quarters there is strong
strong support for the
introduction of members directly elected to the Council on
the basis of the universal suffrage now
in force in Hong
Kong for District Board, Urban Council and Regional Council
elections. Proposals range from the introduction of a few
directly elected members, to the direct election of up to a
quarter or one-third of the Council. No one has suggested
that the Council be composed entirely of directly elected members at this stage of Hong Kong's development.
13.
Functional constituencies were created in order that
full weight should be given to representation of the
economic and professional sectors of Hong Kong society which
are essential to future confidence and prosperity. They are
now widely accepted; their territory-wide coverage is a
strong feature. There was pressure at the time of their
introduction, and this has continued, to increase their
number. An increase by two to four members would probably
be welcomed, to recognise for example the importance of
tertiary education, the accounting profession and the
building and property development professions.
14.
Official members at present number 10.
They are
necessary for the conduct of Government business and there
is a general belief in the Legislative Council
Council that there
should be
be sufficient of them to handle bills and reply to
questions on all aspects of administration. The addition of
up to four members could be justified to provide wider
coverage of government business and would probably be
accepted by the Legislative Council and the majority of
public opinion.
15.
The Electoral College was established in order to
provide representation on a geographical constituency basis.
It provides at present 10 members elected by District Board
groupings, and one each selected by the Urban Council and
Regional Council.
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