TNAG-1718-FCO40-2398-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 138

ARPAEX

RESTRICTED

HONG KONG WHITE PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT: SECRETARY OF

STATE'S PRESS BRIEFING

OPENING STATEMENT

1. White Paper marks significant step in direction of more

Contains a number of representative government in Hong Kong.

detailed provisions for development of present system.

2.

Review covered wide range of issues:

composition of Legislative Council;

role and composition of government bodies, at local level, and relationship between them;

presidency of Legislative Council;

practical aspects of elections.

3. Most important and far reaching provision is decision that in 1991 direct elections to Legislative Council will be held for first

time.

4.

Major step forward. Second substantial restructuring of LegCo in 6 years: in 1985 24 indirectly elected members were introduced. Continues in clear and decisive way steady process of development of

Looks forward with confidence to system representative government.

that will continue after transfer of sovereignty in 1997.

5.

Strong

White Paper follows extensive public consultation which began in May 1987 with Green Paper. Response was unprecedented: Survey Office received over 131,000 written submissions together with results of public opinion polls and signature campaigns. trend in public opinion supported introduction of some directly

But on timing views elected members into LegCo well before 1997. were sharply divided. While some advocated 1988, others had

Clear wish that reservations about moving forward so quickly. change should be steady and gradual.

6.

In view of sharp division of opinion on timing, we and HKG concluded that it would not be right to introduce direct elections in 1988. Before introducing such a major constitutional change,

ZAYg young