TNAG-1221-FCO40-1531-Annual-address-by-Sir-Edward-Youde--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--t-1983 — Page 68

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GOVERNMENT

97.

(a) Executive and Legislative Councils

Turning now to our system of Government, there have

been recent changes in the composition of both the Executive

and Legislative Councils. Three new Unofficial members have

been appointed to the Executive Council, one Unofficial member

having retired. We welcome five new Unofficial members to this

Council, three of its former members having retired.

98.

The yet larger majority which the Unofficial members

now hold in these Councils means that, in seeking to formulate

policies and make laws which reflect the ambitions, the hopes

and best interests of all the people of Hong Kong, the

Administration and I have access to a still wider range of opinion and advice. I welcome this wider representation, and the improved links with the District Boards and the Urban Council which it provides.

99.

With such a diverse Chamber, I hope there will be even greater scope for the sort of lively debate which was recently

heard in this Council on the overall review of education. For

it is in debate that the

the work of this Council finds public

expression. It brings proof to the sceptics that the Unofficials who represent the public do understand and care about the issues of our society. It demonstrates the variety

of views which the community holds about those issues. Above all, it shows reason at work in the governance of our community and the power of persuasion in a free and open society.

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/ (b)

Urban