TNAG-1327-FCO40-1740-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Ministerial-statements-1984 — Page 161

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CHTER I

INTRODUCTION

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The Green Paper

1. On 18 July 1984, the Government published a Green Paper entitled "The Further Development of Representative Government in Hong Kong" and invited public comment on the proposals put forward in it.

2. The aims of the proposals were:

(a) to develop progressively a system of government the authority for which is firmly rooted in Hong Kong, which is able to represent authoritatively the views of the people of Hong Kong, and which is more directly accountable to the people of Hong Kong;

(b) to build this system on our existing institutions, which have served Hong Kong well, and, as far as possible, to preserve their best features, including the maintenance of the well established practice of government by consensus; and

(c) to allow for further development if that should be the wish of the

community.

Public Response to the Green Paper

3. The Government received and recorded comments from a wide range of sources during the two-month period allowed for public consultation on the Green Paper proposals. In addition to over 360 written submissions to the Government Secretariat from various organizations, groups and individuals, extensive consultation was carried on through the District Offices. Many meetings and public discussions were attended by Government officers, several surveys of public opinion were carried out and an assessment was made of views expressed extensively in the media. Comments were received from many members of District Boards, Area Committees and Mutual Aid Committees. Urban Councillors expressed their views in an open debate on 4 and 6 September 1984, which was followed up by a Resolution from the Standing Committee of the Whole Council on 27 September 1984, and Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council commented on the proposals during the debate in the Legislative Council on 2 August 1984.

4. Public reaction was generally in favour of the aims of the Green Paper and the gradual and progressive nature of the proposals made in it. The need to ensure that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong are not put at risk by introducing too many constitutional changes too rapidly was widely recognized. Many people supported the proposals as being a realistic and practical framework for the development of representative government at the central level during the next few years.

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