TNAG-1720-FCO40-2400-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 142

MAR 18 '88 01:44 GIS HK

Sir,

Speech by the Hon. the Chief Secretary,

Sir David Ford, KBE, LVO, JP

17 March 1988

in the Legislative Council on

in winding up the debate on the motion : "That this Council takes note of the plane and intentions contained in the White Paper : The Development of Representative Government: The Way Forward."

REVISED

I have listened very attentively to all the views expressed in this debate. I am greatly encouraged by the support which ac many Members have given to the propveslo in the White Paper, and to the recognition that the course on which we have embarked in further

In particular developing representative government is the right one. it is clear that most Members of thio Council now accept that it is right to introduce direct elections to the Legislative Council in 1991. From what I have heard, I am more than ever convinced that the prudent } and gradual approach we have adopted is in the best interests of Hong

Kong-

UNI ged in I have been struck by two broad themen which have the debate. The first relates to the question of where we go from here. As many Members have said, decisions have been taken and the Government has given a firm and unequivocal commitment to introduce ten directly

The focus of our attention now elected seats to this Council in 1991.

chould be planning for those elections.

!

There are some who seem to feel that the fight for direct elections in 1988 must continue. I must say I believe frankly that would be rather pointless and unproductive and I would also ask those who are that way inclined to consider the consequences of continuing

that campaign.

DRAFT COPY

This draft is subject to amendment and

must }}0*

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without being ch wked against the speech

as delivered by the speaker

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