TNAG-1716-FCO40-2396-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 81

G.F. 316

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but the public opinion surveys

commissioned by the

Survey Office showed that there was some interest in

the community in considering the idea further.

Official and Appointed Members

38.

It would be in line with

the evolution of

representative government gradually to reduce the

proportion, if not the number, of Appointed Members,

including appointed Official Members, in the

Legislative Council. The appointment system will in

any case have to cease by 1997, because of the

stipulation in the Sino-British Joint Declaration that

the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative

Region will be constituted by elections. Nevertheless

there is a strong argument against moving too quickly

in this direction.

introduction of 24 Elected

The

of

Members in 1985, out of a total membership of 56,

marked a significant change in the overall composition

of the Council. The effect of any

any further changes

would need to be carefully measured.

39.

and

The ten Official

seven appointed are

Members

—

Government

three ex-officio

responsible for introducing

business into the Legislative Council,

explaining Government

Government policy and answering other

Members' questions on the administration of Hong Kong.

They will continue to be required to fulfil these

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