TNAG-0117-FCO40-153-Constitutional-developments-1969 — Page 37

CONFIDENTIAL

(b)

Broadening the Basis of Selection of Unofficial Members

The possibilities of broadening representation in the Letislature are strictly limited. In recent selections

the Governor has cast his net a little wider and has recently appointed a woman to the Legislature for the first time. It is inherent in the nomination system that the

Governor should make appointments from people who have

made their mark in the community; these are people from

industry, commerce and the professions. If he were to appoint comparative nonentities to handle the affairs of the community, the process of selection would have a random and arbitrary nature that would satisfy nobody.

Because

of the cleavage in the Trade Unions (between Communist and Nationalist affiliations) and other weaknesses, the movement cannot throw up anyone of acceptable representative capacity or stature. Moreover, service on the Central Councils of the Hong Kong Government takes a great deal of time and is unpaid.

(c) The Nomination to the Legislature of One or Two Elected

Members of Local Government Bodies

This seems to be the most promising possibibility but at the present time the field consists solely of elected Members of the Urban Council and it might be better to await

the establishment of other Local Government bodies, When the reorganisation of local government (delayed by confrontation and its aftermath) is under way this possible change in the basis of Legislature Council Membership might be more closely examined and at the same time consideration might be given to dispensing with the two "closed" seats for representatives of the Justicee of the Peace and the Chamber

of Commerce,

Hong Kong Department

May, 1969

CONFIDENTIAL