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promise to introduce direct elections in 1988. It would have made a mockery of the review and the exercise of public consultation if we
were committed in advance to one particular outcome.
(AGB McNair surveys were flawed)
14.
The method of any survey can be criticised. In any event, whichever way one looks at the public response, clear there is strong support for principle of direct elections but division of views on timing of introduction. Divided views were expressed at every level and in every forum.
(Direct elections in 1988 would give more time for development of
system before 1997)
15.
System of representative government has been developing for a number of years. Major reorganisation took place only three years
ago when indirect elections were introduced into LegCo. But guarantee of firmly rooted, durable system lies in steady, gradual
approach.
(Appearance of backtracking on direct elections has increased emigration)
16. No real evidence of this. Recently there has been some increase in emigration. This reflects, inter alia, increased emigration opportunities to some leading recipient countries. Uncertainty about the future may be a factor, but by no means the only one. Many who have emigrated do return once they have acquired their foreign nationality or residence qualification, because they
prefer to live in Hong Kong.
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