15.
- 6.
Despite recent controversy surrounding the role of
appointed members there is still a wide measure of public support for retention of a significant appointed element in
the Legislative Council. The system of indirect elections
based on Functional Constituencies is also generally
supported, and there are calls for its further expansion.
16. There is less unanimity of view on the Electoral
College as a basis for indirect elections to the Legislative Council. Members of the District Boards and two Regional
Councils will probably support its retention, because it provides them with direct access to membership of the
Legislative Council. However there is concern that membership
of the Electoral College is too narrowly-based. If the
concept is to be retained there is a widespread feeling that the system of election should be changed to avoid the
unpleasant factional rivalries within District Boards which developed in 1985.
17.
It
The question of the possible conflict between the
roles of the Governor as head of the Executive and as
President of the Legislative Council is being actively debated in the media and by academics and political commentators.
is doubtful whether the issues involved are widely understood within the community. If the present position is to be changed, it will be necessary to consider carefully how to
allocate the powers now exercised by the Governor as President, which include powers exercised in the British Parliament by the speaker, the Government of the day and the
Houses of Parliament themselves.
18.
There is no evidence that public interest in changes to the composition of the Executive Council is any greater than in 1984. If anything, there seems to be a greater recognition of the need to maintain a strong Executive capable of providing firm leadership and efficient administration.