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of a number of members drawn from a wider social background than heretofore) we must look for some acceleration in the process over the next few years. It may not be possible to move at a pace sufficient to contain the criticism in this country of the present institutional framework in the Colony; and indeed some of those who criticise the non-elective system of government without sufficient regard to the "Chinese dimension" will never be satisfied. But it could certainly be made more credible by the inclusion of LegCo members drawn from the independent trade unions although we recognise that these unions constitute a very small proportion of the work force. It would be desirable, for optical reasons alone, for the Governor to appoint such a figure in June; and, indeed the present carefully conceived system for reform might well come under pressure in Britain without it. Further appointments of members with a trade union background would seem dependent on the growth of effective, and independent trade unionism. The low-profile study of industrial relations referred to in paragraph 19 of Annex C may point the way forward on the development of trade unionism generally: or alternatively produce convincing sociological and political explanations for their failure, so far, to gain popular support.
22.
Meanwhile the Governor must base plans for social reform on the growing public support and enthusiasm for them which it is hoped will produce a climate in the present Legislative and Executive Councils conducive to the necessary legislation and eventually to an increase in taxation. The process is inevitably a slow one given the general climate of opinion in the Councils and among senior officials. Indeed we occasionally pick up hints that while officials might be sympathetic to some desirable measure to improve social conditions, opposition in LegCo and/or ExCo makes progress impossible. In particular there is in our view need for:
(a) the development of a social security system providing an essential safety net for the old, the sick, widows and orphans and the unemployed;
/(b)
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