TNAG-1440-FCO40-1924-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 36

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despatch. There is support in some quarters for making no further change in 1987-88 in

in order to give more time for the system to settle down and for experience to be gained

of it.

12.

on

In other quarters there is strong support for the introduction of members directly elected to the Council the basis of the universal suffrage now in force in Hong Kong for District Board, Urban Council and Regional Council elections. Proposals range from the introduction of a few directly elected members, to the direct election of up to a

one third of the Council. quarter or

No one has suggested that the Council be composed entirely of directly elected members at this stage of Hong Kong's development.

13.

full

Functional Constituencies were created in order that

of representation

be given

to

the

weight should economic and professional sectors of Hong Kong society which are essential to future confidence and prosperity. They are now widely accepted; their territory-wide coverage

is

There a strong feature.

was pressure at the time of

and this their introduction,

has

to increase continued,

An increase by two their number.

welcomed,

recognise

probably

be

to

to

four members

would

for

example

the

importance of tertiary education, the accounting profession and the building and property development professions.

14.

ten.

They are Official Members at present number necessary for the conduct of government business and there is a general belief in

in the Legislative Council that there should be sufficient of them to handle Bills and reply to questions on all aspects of administration.

of

The addition

of up to four members could be justified to provide wider

business and would coverage accepted by the Legislative Council

government

probably be and the majority of

public opinion.

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