TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 151

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Tradition of representative government is already well

established in Hong Kong.

Large part of membership of Municipal Councils and District Boards is directly elected. In 1985, indirect elections introduced for 24 members of LegCo. Representative base of LegCo and other

bodies in Hong Kong is already large.

Ten directly elected seats in 1991 is too few

Will constitute 18% of Legco.

In addition a further 16 seats (28%) are indirectly elected. An impressive and significant step forward.

Survey Office survey of public opinion flawed?

Clear from reactions in Hong Kong that decision to introduce Views on direct elections in 1991 seen as reasonable and balanced. Survey well known, and taken into account by HKG. Survey only one element of input, which included over 130,000 submissions.

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