TNAG-1724-FCO40-2437-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 76

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Further changes will be needed in the period

between 1991 and 1997 to bring Hong Kong's political

system into line with that described in the Joint

Declaration and with the provisions to be included in the

Basic Law. I have stressed the importance of continuity

up to and beyond 1997 and the need to maintain the high

degree of autonomy which we currently enjoy and which is

provided for in the Joint Declaration. The steps to be

taken fully reflect the importance which we place upon

these two principles.

Sir. our aim is to maintain a system of

government which is both effective and responsive and 済 which can continue to evolve in a way which commands the

.full confidence of Hong Kong people. This White Paper

contains a clear commitment to the next steps in the

development of such a system. I believe that it will be

welcomed and supported by the people of Hong Kong.