TNAG-1751-FCO40-2471-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 109

A.

ARPADL

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

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HMG are backtracking on the development of representative

government?

Our commitment to the development of representative government in Hong Kong is as strong as ever. This process is already well underway and we want to see it continue. But this development must proceed prudently. It must reflect the special circumstances of Hong Kong. It must not be imposed on the people of Hong Kong: it is imperative that any changes should command the widest possible consensus of support.

That is why the Hong Kong Government have carried out such an extensive public consultation exercise, so that the decisions to be announced in the Hong Kong Government White Paper next month can take the fullest possible account of the views of the community as a

whole.

The 1984 White Paper committed the Hong Kong Government to introduce

direct elections in 1988

Contrary to what some people have tried to suggest, the 1984 White Paper made no commitment to introduce direct elections in 1988. It merely noted the state of public opinion at the time: that suggested that a very small number of directly elected members might be introduced in 1988.

There was a

But the White Paper also noted considerable general public concern that too rapid progress towards direct elections could jeopardise Hong Kong's future stability and prosperity. general desire for caution: in view of this the White Paper undertook to review the position in 1987. This undertaking has been

carried out in full.

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