BEEAGW
CHAPTER VIII
THE WAY FORWARD
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The public response to the 1987 Green Paper showed that there is a strong demand among the community for the system of representative government to be developed further. The forms of representation developed over the years have proved to be effective
and to have firm popular support. The three-tier structure of government received strong endorsement in the 1987 review and there is a clear wish among the people of Hong Kong to retain and
strengthen this system. At the same time there is clear concern
that future development should take the form of a prudent and gradual evolution, to ensure stability between now and 1997 and a
smooth transfer of government in 1997.
The decisions announced in this White Paper reflect all these
considerations, and take full account of all the views expressed during the course of the review. A continuing, steady evolution of Hong Kong's system of representative government is clearly in the best interests of the community, both to meet the developing needs
of our society and to maintain confidence in our future. Such a process plainly has broad support within the community.
The White Paper charts the course of further development of representative government between now and 1991. The framework of government after 1997 will be incorporated in the Basic Law which will be promulgated in 1990. Further development will be necessary
between 1991 and 1997 to ensure that there is continuity and a
smooth transition in 1997. Decisions will need to be taken during
that period to enable Hong Kong's system of government to evolve in a way that is compatible both with the framework set out in the
Basic Law and with the aspirations of the Hong Kong community.
These decisions will require further public consultation though not
necessarily in the form of a review such as that just concluded.
The system of government in Hong Kong is unique, and has
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