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of representative government in Hong Kong. I hope over
the months and years ahead we can also achieve a unity
that I am trying to stifle criticism of the Government
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of view on the best way forward. This is not to say
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or its policies. Freedom of expression is precious
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to Hong Kong and this Government is committed to preserving
it now and in the future. But this debate marks the
end of a very long period of public consultation and discussions which started with the publication of the Green Paper nearly a year ago.
We now have clearly established
policies and plans to take us forward into 1991. There
is still much to be done in practical terms to ensure
that those policies and plans are carried through to
the satisfaction of the community as a whole. That process, too, will involve consultation and discussion.
But I hope, Sir, we can put behind us the arguments
about the broad thrust of our policies and plans and
the timing of them. The commitments in the White
Paper are clear. There will be no retreat from them.
We believe they have the support of a broad majority
within the community and, certainly, a clear majority
of Members of this Council would endorse that view.
Sir, Members of this Council have
a strong tradition about holding the interests of Hong
28 Kong people. Some people outside this Council have
called into question the motivation of its Members.
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In so doing, they do a grave disservice to the tradition of public service in Hong Kong, a tradition of which we can be truly proud. Like so many aspects of Hong
Kong society, it is unique and the envy of many other
countries.
Sir, as we move forward to changes