DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG
Line to Take
Determined that representative government will be well established in Hong Kong before 1997. We are making good progress, at a pace that is in line with the wishes of the community as a whole.
No truth in suggestion that we have reneged on earlier commitments to introduce direct elections in 1988. We undertook only to review the position in 1987. That review was carried out fully and to the letter. Decision to introduce element of direct elections in 1991
was widely welcomed in Hong Kong as significant step forward.
Important that the model for Hong Kong's future political system after 1997 ensures that representative government in Hong Kong can continue to develop. Only in this way will the Basic Law command general confidence in Hong Kong.
Drafting of Basic Law is matter for Chinese authorities. But HMG
have right to satisfy themselves that provisions of Basic Law
properly reflect terms of Joint Declaration.