TNAG-1750-FCO40-2470-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 74

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1

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

"The main aims of the proposals are- (1) to develop progressively

government

the

of

is

a system

for authority

which which is a ble firmly rooted in Hong Kong, to represent authoritatively

the views of

is more

the people of Hong Kong, and which directly accountable to the people of Hong Kong;

(2) to build this system on

our existing institutions, which have served Hong Kong well, and, as far as possible, to preserve their

features, including the

the well

best

of

established an d

maintenance practice of government by consensus; (3) to allow for further development if that should be the wish of the community." Hong Kong Government Green Paper 18th July, 1984

members

"With few exceptions the bulk of public all sources suggested a cautious response from approach with a gradual start by introducing a very small number of directly elected in 1988 and building up to a significant number of directly elected members by 1997." Hong Kong Government White

2 1st Paper, November, 1984

be

was

"The provision for the legislature of the Hong

constituted Kong SAR to

elections by hailed by many, including members of District Boards and the Urban Council as "far-sighted

There should progressive".

be (as the

and

Hong Kong Government plans) a progressive

of

development legislature with election.

a

more

representative

seats filled by direct At the same time there were many

stability

must

who said that prosperity and not be sacrificed to achieve democracy in a hurry as this might damage a good investment environment. Hong Kong would be of use to China only if it

remains prosperous and stable. The new political structure should be established by the late 80s or early as to enable Hong Kong self-administration

90s, SO

practise

to people before 1997." Report of the Assessment Office on the acceptability of the Joint Declaration, 29th November 1984

democratic

10

(vii) "We all fully accept that we should build up a

firmly-based,

administration in

1997.' Hong Kong in the years between now and Richard Luce, Minister of State with special responsibility for Hong Kong, 5th December,

1984 in the House of Commons

(viii)"... You have my absolute

assuran ce

that

-17 1 LAM AIIM

Britain will administer Hong Kong wisely and

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