TNAG-1322-FCO40-1728-Future-of-Hong-Kong-opinion-polls-and-surveys-1984 — Page 307

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on the spot.

survey.

As for those questionnaires sent by mail to the Owners Incorporation and Mutual Aid Committees, the closing date was 30.4.84. The number of questionnaires sent out was more than 1,800. Until the

last day, the number of questionnaires mailed back or returned was

only about 800. Some of the MACB/OCs, however, had said that they

would send the questionaires back soon. In comparison, the result

of the mailed questionnaires was not so successful as those collected

Some of the returned copies were those distributed

in the streets. For the issue of 'Hong Kong's Future', many district

boards have set up working units to carry out comprehensive surveys.

There are some which plan to have street interviews. Many district

board members and groups with significant representation nave gone to

Beiing and London to express their views. We sum up this experience

to provide reference for others who wish to carry out this sort of

At present, there is still no arus-cule public roll made

in Yau Ma Tei Distr.ct. Furthermore, our area of concern should be

changed such that the maintenance of political and economic stability

and prosperity of Hong Kong and a continuation of public works be

ensured by the British Government before 1990. In 1997, attention

hould be paid to allow a stable and smooth transition. Within these

thirteen years of transitional period, emphasis should be on how to

maintain a free policy and a democratic spirit. The administrative

structure should change gradually and the principle of 'self-

dministration' be implemented with the drafting of the basic laws

of Hong Kong. It is believed that the time has come for district

boards to assist people to come to know and uncerst nd the present

political atmosphere. We are now having a temporary 'cooling period'.

After China and Britain have come to an agreement which is then discussed

in the Lower House, a district-wide survey can be carried out. Fublicity

is done in individual areas by distributing questionnaires. The

above suggested is believed to be the most practical and effective

method of conducting public opinion polls. It is designed by both

of us for the reference of district boards.

LEE Lit-man

CHAN Wai-wang