Ms Susanna Hoe
Thank you for your letter of 23 November enclosing an open
letter to the Governor of Hong Kong. I have seen the Governor's
reply to you.
This Government, like the Hong Kong Government, attach importance to the issues you raise. The Governor's electoral proposals would give more opportunity for all voters in Hong
Kong, women as well as men, to participate in the running of
their own affairs. I note your points about functional constituencies and appointed representatives. These will no
doubt be debated when the Legislative Council looks at the
Governor's proposals., But the whole thrust is towards broader participation in the democratic process.
by all
I know that, since you wrote, the Legislative Council has passed
a motion supporting the extension of CEDAW to Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Government has announced that a green paper will be issued this year on the need for action to ensure equal
opportunities in Hong Kong. I am sure that you will participate in the dialogue that this will create. This will be an
important opportunity, not just for debate, but also to educate people on this important issue.
Alastair Goodlad