G.F. 316
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but the public opinion surveys
commissioned by the
Survey Office showed that there was some interest in
the community in considering the idea further.
Official and Appointed Members
38.
It would be in line with
the evolution of
representative government gradually to reduce the
proportion, if not the number, of Appointed Members,
including appointed Official Members, in the
Legislative Council. The appointment system will in
any case have to cease by 1997, because of the
stipulation in the Sino-British Joint Declaration that
the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region will be constituted by elections. Nevertheless
there is a strong argument against moving too quickly
in this direction.
introduction of 24 Elected
The
of
Members in 1985, out of a total membership of 56,
marked a significant change in the overall composition
of the Council. The effect of any
any further changes
would need to be carefully measured.
39.
and
The ten Official
seven appointed are
Members
—
Government
three ex-officio
responsible for introducing
business into the Legislative Council,
explaining Government
Government policy and answering other
Members' questions on the administration of Hong Kong.
They will continue to be required to fulfil these
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