TNAG-0613-FCO40-761-Visits-of-Governor-of-Hong-Kong-to-UK-1977 — Page 85

CONFIDENTIAL

district. Membership of the Boards will consist of Unofficials and local Officials, all of whom will be appointed. However, the Governor made the point in his speech that these Boards would be extended throughout the New Territories because of the success of the pilot scheme which has been under way for some time. Its success has been due to the interest shown by local inhabitants in the administration of Hong Kong as a whole and of their community in particular and in their concern about what can be done to improve local amenities. Given this interest, there is a strong case for unofficial members of these Boards to be elected.

Talking Points

7.

I recommend Lord Goronwy-Roberts be advised to:

(a) Confirm his continued interest in a wider membership of LegCo;

(b) Suggest to the Governor that he consider seeking suggestions as to suitable candidates for LegCo from a wider field, e.g. MPs with a good knowledge of Hong Kong;

(c) Ask for thought to be given to widening the electoral franchise;

(a) Recommend the introduction of a publicity campaign to encourage those who are entitled to do so to use their

vote;

(e) Suggest that the Unofficial Members of the District Advisory Boards be elected rather than appointed.

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CONFIDENTIAL