TNAG-1284-FCO40-1636-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 240

The electorate of each of the above constituencies would be relatively large, consisting of several hundred members.

(e) President of the Legislative Council

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themselves.

The President of the Legislative Council is now the Governor, but it is proposed that he should be replaced by a Speaker elected by Legislative Council members from among This not only follows the pattern of constitutional development in other former British dependent territories, but also emphasises the independence of the Legislative Council from the Executive. In order to promote continuity it is suggested that a Speaker be introduced sooner rather than later. Eventually the Speaker should be elected in a Legislative Council election year immediately after elections, but since 1985 will see other major changes in the Legislative Council it is suggested that the first Speaker be elected in 1986 for two years.

(£) Possible future developments

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The possible sequences suggested in paragraphs 13 and 16 above are based upon an electoral cycle of three years, and a consequent term of office of three years for Unofficial members. Such a term of office is relatively short, given the importance of an

element of continuity and

I

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SCRET #3

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