573/44
EXTRACT FROM OFFICIAL REPORT OF
HONG KONG (CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES)
6 Mr. T. Reid asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a further statement on constitutional changes in Hong Kong.
Mr. Creech Jones: On 1st May my pre- decessor announced in this House that His Majesty's Government had had under con- sideration the means by which, in Hong Kong, as elsewhere in the Colonial Empire, the inhabitants of the territory could be given a fuller and more responsi- ble share in the management of their own affairs. He went on to say that it was thought that one possible method of achieving this end would be by handing over certain functions of internal ad- ministration to a Municipal Council con- stituted on a fully representative basis but that the Governor had thoroughly to examine these important issues in consultation with the representa- tives of all sections of the community in Hong Kong
been asked
The Governor and his advisers held these consultations and, after considering other alternatives, he came to the con- clusion, with which I agree, that
(a) a Muncipal Council should be set up in Hong Kong on the widest repre- sentative basis possible. The majority of the members will be elected, and the Council will gradually assume as many of the present functions of the Central Government as can appropriately be assigned to it. The Municipality will include Kowloon, but not that area of the New Territories outside Kowloon which by reason of its rural character is not entirely suitable for immediate inclusion in the area to be administered by the Municipal Council:
(b) the constitution of the Legis- lative Council should be modified with the object of securing on that body a more direct and a proportionately in- creased representation of the unofficial community. Under his recommenda- tion, which I have accepted, the official members will be reduced to seven, and of the eight unofficial members two will be directly nominated by the Municipal Council, and one each by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the unofficial justices of the peace. The remainder will continue to be nominated by the Governor.
His Majesty's Government are satisfied that these measures constitute the best means of achieving their genuine desire and intention to give the people of Hong Kong a practical and effective share in the management of their own affairs.
HANSARD.
}
30/10/46.
HONG KONG (CONSTITUTION)
35. Mr. Rees-Williams asked the Sec- retary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are being made to give the inhabitants of Hong Kong a fuller and more responsible share in the manage- ment of the affairs of the Colony.
Mr. Creech Jones: As my predecessor stated in the House on 1st May, the Gov- ernor of Hong Kong has been instructed to examine this whole question in consul- tation with representatives of all sections of the community, and to submit a re- port at an early date, bearing in mind the policy of His Majesty's Government that the constitution should be revised on a more liberal basis as soon as possible. The Governor has practically concluded his consultations and I expect to receive his recommendations in the near future.
Mr. Rees-Williams: Is my right hon. Friend aware that both these answers show that his tenure of offic is becoming a very promising one?
Mr. Wyatt: Will my right hon. Friend` assure the House that when these in- vestigations are being made, special con- sideration will be given to the question of establishing a solid union movement in Hong Kong?
Mr. Creech Jones: Those steps have already been taken.
1/5/46
HONG KONG (PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES)
Mr. Driberg asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make on constitutional changes in Honk Kong,
Mr. George Hall: Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have under con- sideration the means by which, in Hong Kong as elsewhere in the Colonial Empire, the inhabitants of the territory can be given a fuller and more responsible share in the management of their own affairs. One possible method of achieving this end would be by handing over certain func- tions of the internal administration, hitherto exercised by the Government, to a Municipal Council constituted on a fully representative basis. The establish- ment of such a Council and the transfer- ence to it of important functions of Gov- ernment might, it is believed, be an appropriate and acceptable means of affording to all communities in Hong Kong an opportunity of more active parti- cipation through their responsible repre- sentatives in the administration of the territory. But before a decision is taken on the method of giving effect to the inten- tions of His Majesty's Government it is considered essential that the important issues involved should be thoroughly examined in Hong Kong itself, the fullest account being taken of the views and wishes of the inhabitants. The Governor has accordingly been instructed examine the whole question in consulta- to tion with representatives of all sections of the community and to submit a report at an early date, bearing in mind the policy of His Majesty's Government that the Con- stitution should be revised on a mor liberal basis as soon as possible. The ain will be to settle and to announce not later than the end of this year the principles on which that revision should be based.
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