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together in implementing the Joint Declaration. The White Paper brings us one step nearer to that goal.
Let us take that step together.
I support the motion.
DR. HO:
Sir, if one studies
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the White Paper conscientiously, he would realise that the decision on political development in the document he had been taken as a result of extensive consultation. They represent informed compromises of conflicting realities and demands. They are delicate balances
of the wishes among different segments of the community, c.14 Balances between expectations of change and the need for stability, prosperity and smooth transition; and balances between a high degree of autonomy and the respect for the Basic Law and sovereign Authority.
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In view of the pragmatic nature
of these political reforms, the White Paper gained widespread and strong support from the community at
the large. As a matter of fact, a marketing decision. research conducted a poll after the publication of the White Paper and found that twofthirds of the respondents endorsed direct election to the Legislative Council in 1991. A separate survey, carried out by a youth Agency, likewise indicated that almost 70 per cent of
the respondents accepted the timing of direct elections
as recommended in the White Paper.
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Constitutional developments are
matters of utmost importance and enormous complexity. Common sense dictates that these political reforms must be formulated on the basis of careful and full
consideration of a host of interlocking factors.
Public opinion is but one of these factors which must