TNAG-1286-FCO40-16372-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-2-of-2-1984 — Page 42

- 4

only meagre gruel (seats of Legislative Council) to go round? Besides, some professional bodies may have a large membership, and many of their members are highly intelligent and enthusiastic in serving the public, for example, the law profession. Does it mean that in future these professional groups will be limited to electing only one of their members to the Legislative Council? All these are matters of principle, and are difficult to solve. In this aspect, it is necessary for the government to supplement, so that in future meaningful review can be made when detailed discussion is held on specific

points of the Green Paper.

Though the Paper's proposal of electing unofficial members of the Legislative Council indirectly before 1991 deserves support, the Government still has the responsibility of expediting the development of the public's consciousness in politics, civics and democracy, and of making the necessary preparation through different approaches for the eventual implementation of direct election. This would make the people

ready for a direct election in the 90's. Of course it is also

not to be overlooked that the Government should promote investment by all means and strengthen the public's confidence so as to reduce the impact of direct election.

Sir, this Green Paper proposes a very important policy

reform which has an important bearing on the future of Hong

Kong. Apart from the conventional channels of consultation,

the Government should attempt a breakthrough in consulting the public on this matter, and should take greater initiative to make the silent majority express their views. For example, it can encourage discussion within each area committee and mutual

aid committee. Various public forums can be held at district

level to ensure the pooling of ideas, so that the forthcoming White Paper can include more valuable opinions of the people.

Sir, I support this motion.