TNAG-1354-FCO40-1795-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 91

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requires, full and

frank

discussion

of the many

important matters which arise in public administration

so that decisions are reached on the basis of a general

consensus. This practice has enabled Hong Kong to enjoy

sustained periods of internal stability and economic

growth. It must not be forgotten, or lightly thrown

aside, therefore, in developing plans for the

introduction of more

government in Hong Kong.

representative

institutions

of

16.

has

This practice of government by consensus

grown up around two separate approaches to the question

of how the people of Hong Kong should be represented,

particularly in the Legislative Council. Two different

types of shared interests among the people have been

recognised: first, those arising from their place of

residence; second, those arising from their occupations.

17.

It is from these geographical and functional

constituencies that the Governor, in exercising his

powers of appointment, has traditionally drawn

unofficial members to man the various institutions of

government, including the Executive and Legislative

Councils. The Governor has sought to appoint men and

women capable of reflecting the views of the Hong Kong

community and its main pre-occupations, and of bringing

to the institutions of government knowledge and

expertise to complement the bureaucratic skills of the

civil service.

i