TNAG-1289-FCO40-1641-Terminology-for-the-description-of-Hong-Kong-by-internationa-1984 — Page 145

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is apparent that public opinion favours caution, and retaining the present position of the Governor unchanged for the next few years at least. It is therefore intended to reconsider this proposal in the 1987 review.

25

Any further proposals for change in the position and role of the Governor will need to have regard to the provisions of the agreement on the future of Hong Kong. These are important constitutional issues, which will also need to be addressed at a later stage.

Civic Education

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Many people feel strongly that, if the people of Hong Kong are to understand fully proposals for future constitutional change, arrangements should be made to educate them effectively in public and constitutional affairs. The White Paper records the Government's intention to promote and encourage such civic education.

Remuneration for Unofficial Members

of the Legislative Council

27

be

There have been several

suggestions that Unofficial members of

of the Legislative Council should given adequate

adequate remuneration to ensure that prospective candidates are not prevented for financial reasons from standing for election, and to enable them

them to

to devote the proper amount of time and attention to their duties as Councillors.

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The White Paper records the Government's intention to meet this

this need by providing a

providing a standard rate of remuneration, as well as payment of expenses, for Unofficial members of the Legislative Council. The level of remuneration is now under consideration with a view to introducing the scheme when the first elected members join the Legislative Council next year.

Conclusion

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Honourable Members, the plans set out in the White Paper which I have described this afternoon represent the next stage in the development of representative government in Hong Kong. They take account of public comment on the Green Paper and the provisions of the draft agreement on the future of Hong Kong. They represent an important step forward in the constitutional development of Hong Kong. They will take

take us forward 1987 when further developments will be considered in the light of experience.

to