TNAG-1597-FCO40-2182-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1987 — Page 44

represented and

which

advising on the

policy.

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play such a valuable role in

conduct of government

formulation

and

9.

In the short term it is necessary to consider

whether any further change to the number of Official

Members in the Legislative Council should be introduced

in 1988. The options are:

(i)

to maintain the number of Official Members at

the present level of 10;

(ii)

to further reduce the number; or

(iii) to increase the number.

10.

Under Option (i) official members may

As

experience some problems in continuing to cope with the

breadth, volume and complexity of the areasof Government

policy with which they have to deal in Council.

questions become more detailed this may lead to

dissatisfaction amongst members over answers they are

given in question time. This may in turn lead to a

situation in which less attention is focussed on some

important areas of the Administration's responsibilities

simply because they are not directly represented in the

Council. Option (ii) would exacerbate the problems

described above and could in turn lead to a real loss of

efficiency in the conduct of the Council business.

would change the present balance in the Membership of the

It

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