TNAG-1597-FCO40-2182-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1987 — Page 69

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59.

The advantages and disadvantages of approach

(iii)(a) have been discussed at paragraph 49 above and

those of approach (iii) (b)

paragraphs 50-51. If

(iii)(a) is thought preferable it would be necessary to

consider whether members elected to the Legislative

Council by this method should be in addition to, or

should replace, members elected by the electoral

college. This, in turn, raises the question of whether

there should be a further increase in the overall size

of the Legislative Council.

Size of the Legislative Council

60.

The number of Council members (excluding the

President) was increased from 45 to 56 in 1985. This

increase has undoubtedly helped in sharing out the

increasing workload, but it has also contributed to the

workload itself, as more members wish to speak in

debates, comment on legislation and question the

Administration. A balance has to be struck between the

need to ensure that individual members are not, through

lack of time, unable

contribute to Council

proceedings as fully as they would wish and the need to

to

ensure that Council business is conducted efficiently

and expeditously.

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