TNAG-1284-FCO40-1636-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 273

CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ESSENTIAL FACTS

SECRET

1.

On 15 February Chief Secretary of Hong Kong announced in Legislative Council proposals to bring about changes in local administration system. Main proposals, which had already been

endorsed by EXCO, were:

(a) at next election in March 1985, representative status of

District Boards would be strengthened by increasing size of elected element; in some districts it would be double that of

appointed members;

(b)

another regional council, which would, like Urban Council, contain directly elected element, would be established to serve

New Territories.

2.

Ministers have also considered Governor's proposals for

constitutional development in Hong Kong up to 1997. Aim of proposals is to have firmly established by 1997 a structure of self-government with full political power firmly rooted in Hong Kong

community. Structure should be in place by early 1990s. Governor has suggested publishing Green Paper containing these proposals during Summer. Main proposals are:

(a)

(b)

(c)

Gradual replacement of appointed Unofficial members of Legislative Council by members elected indirectly by electoral college of Regional Council and District Board members and by functional groups.

At same time number of Official members on

Legislative Council will be reduced:

Replacement of Governor as President of Legislative Council by Speaker elected by Unofficial members of Legislative Council from among their number:

Progressive replacement of majority of appointed Unofficial members of Executive Council by members elected by Legislative

Council from among their own number:

SECRET