Response to specific Chinese objections [only if already made
public).
(i)
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Government Business Committee
This Committee not ExCo by another name. Its purpose is to help management of Government business in LegCo by providing a
forum for a regular discussion and explanation. Governor or
Senior Official will chair this Committee. Hong Kong Government
will continue to be executive-led.
(ii)
District Boards
District Boards' proposed new functions are entirely
consistent with terms of the Basic Law. Their new
responsibilities will not turn them into organs of political
power.
(iii) 1995 elections
Governor's proposals have been carefully designed to be within
Basic Law. We have made it clear to the Chinese that we intend
to discuss these proposals with them, with a view to achieving maximum continuity.
(iv)
Functional constituencies
Aim is to broaden democratic participation within the terms of
the Basic Law. Electorate of functional constituencies greatly
expanded (100,000 to 2.7 million). But voters still electing a
LegCo member to represent them at the workplace. So essential
feature of functional constituencies maintained.
ExCo not consulted properly.
-
Governor did seek ExCo's opinion on his constitutional
proposals; and their views were taken into account.
-
Consultation over Governor's LegCo address less extensive than
usual because of imminent changes to ExCo's membership.
Many proposals come within existing policy. New proposals
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