G.F. 316
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20
but the public opinion surveys
commissioned by the
Survey Office showed that
there
was
some interest
the community in considering the idea further.
in
Official and Appointed Members
38.
It
would
be
in line with
the evolution of
reduce the
representative government gradually to
if not the number of Appointed Members,
Members, in the Official appointed
proportion,
including
Legislative Council.
any
case
have
to
cease
the
appointment system will in
because of by 1997,
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 strong argument against moving too quickly
in this
this direction.
The
out of
introduction of 24 Elected
total membership of a
56,
in 1985, Members
marked a significant change in the overall composition
of the Council. The effect of
would need to be carefully measured.
any
further changes
39.
The
ten Official Members
three ex-officio
and seven appointed are responsible for introducing
Government business into the Legislative Council,
explaining 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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