CONFIDENTIAL
H. WHITE PAPER ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WHY DOES WHITE PAPER NOT CONTAIN PROPOSALS FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS TO
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL?
14.
Public comment on the proposals
the proposals contained in the Green Paper
showed little evidence of support for any move towards direct
elections in 1985. Whilst many people favoured the idea in the
abstract, few wanted direct elections in the immediate future.
Further consideration will be given to the quetion in the review to
be carried out in 1987.
WHY INTRODUCTION OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES?
15. Hong Kong Government decided to develop present informal system
of selecting Unofficial members from wide range of functional
constituencies into more formal system. System has grown up over many years and has provided LEGCO with much specialist knowledge and valuable expertise. Also needed to ensure that full weight should
be given to representation of economic and professional sectors of Hong Kong society which are essential to future confidence and
prosperity.
I.
UNDERTAKINGS BY HMG TO HONG KONG PEOPLE
16. In certain very limited cases certain rights of admission will
exist under discretion of the Home Secretary in the United Kingdom.
But that will be on a very limited basis for people who have been exposed to special considerations and special factors. Inappropriate to disclose the categories and numbers of people
involved or special considerations and factors concerned. [If asked specifically whether undertakings have been given]
Assurances have been given by HMG to people in Hong Kong that, because of their service to the Crown, if they wish to apply they
will be permitted to settle in the UK and remain here. These assurances extend to the spouse and dependent children under 18 of those concerned. It is intended that the arrival of these people
will be phased over a number of years.
CONFIDENTIAL
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