The Governor would also retain authority under the Letters Patent to give or refuse his assent
to any Bill presented to him by the Legislative Council. For this reason it is not considered that it would be appropriate for him to be a full-time member of the Legislative Council once he ceases to be President. The chief spokesman for the Administration on the Council will continue to be the Chief Secretary.
Direct elections
16
Following Members advice, the draft Green Paper anticipates the arguments in favour of direct elections (paragraph 27) and warns of the dangers of attempting radical changes too quickly. It points out that even the evolutionary changes proposed will need time before they are fully digested. But it does not rule out the possibility of direct elections for all time; and the Green Paper is now clearly set in the context of developments up to 1992.
Publication
17
views
Subject to Members'
the draft Green paper, it is proposed that it should be printed for publication and tabled in the Legislative Council in about mid-July.
18
A period of two months will be allowed for the public to express their views on the proposals set out in it.
19
These views will be analysed carefully and Members' further advice will then be sought on the proposals, in the light of the public's comments on them.
20
Thereafter, hopefully by the autumn, a White Paper will be published setting out Government's definitive plans for the further development of representative government in Hong Kong.
21
by
The draft Green Paper has not been seen Ministers yet. However, to save time, a copy has been sent to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that the views of Ministers can be sought on it at the same time as it is considered here. Members will be advised of any views which are expressed by Ministers as soon as possible.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.