TNAG-1437-FCO40-1921-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 52

8

Additionally, there would be many delegates from

Hong Kong sitting in the National People's Congress and the

Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference who would

act as a bridge between the Hong Kong SAR and the Central

Government in Beijing, plus the linkage with the Hong Kong

and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council.

In effect, Hong Kong's National People's Congress

and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

delegates could well provide useful advice to the Chief

Executive.

Executive Council

As to the Executive Council, I see no reason why we

should not continue with the present structure even after

1997. It has contributed much to Hong Kong's stability and

prosperity, but of course there will have to be changes in

the representative nature and manner of selecting members to

this Council in the coming years.

The executive responsibilities of the Governor

should gradually be transferred to Executive Councillors by

stages. In the run-up to 1997, appointments of Executive

Councillors should still require the final approval of the

Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure that Britain is

responsible for the administration of Hong Kong under the

Joint Declaration. At the same time, through consultation

and concensus, the Governor will ensure that the appointments

have a majority or wide enough support in the Legislative

Council.

/AS