XN000022-1996-06-03 — Page 4

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As for the dilemma which the honourable member mentioned, I would very much hope that were there such a dilemma in practice, the member of the Executive Council and Preparatory Committee would use his own judgement and apply his own integrity to decide what the honourable course of action was. I think it's difficult to answer the question in the abstract. I would only add that knowing who the honourable member has in mind, I have no doubt at all that the honourable gentleman concerned would, in that case, as in others, behave with complete integrity.

Mr Szeto Wah (in Chinese): The ExCo and also the Preparatory Committee have rules of confidentiality, so this person who has membership in both, how should we advise him? Should he try and keep things from both parties or should he try and please both? How can he really play the role of a bridge effectively?

Governor: I think he should apply his integrity and common sense in this particular instance as he has in others. Speaking for myself I think it's wholly welcome that we have a distinguished businessman playing this bridging role, if it's possible. It may be that in due course the tensions become very difficult, in which case I'm sure that the honourable member concerned would know how to resolve them, but for the time being I think the arrangements work perfectly satisfactorily. I don't hide from the Legislative Council that the member concerned raised these questions with me, raised

my his own concern about them and I urged him to remain a member of Executive Council because I'm sure he'll be able to play a valuable role. But if it proves too difficult, both for him and for the two institutions of which he is a member then I'm sure he'll know what to do.

End

ExCo's statement on C H Tung's resignation

In response to press enquires, the Convenor of ExCo, the Hon Rosanna Wong, made the following statement today (Monday):

"I deeply regret the resignation of my colleague in the Executive Council, Mr Tung Chee-hwa. I respect Mr Tung's decision which I am sure he has carefully and thoroughly considered.