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First, the draft as it now stands is the fruit of
a very considerable effort by the mainland and Hong Kong members of the Basic Law Drafting Committee, who have been engaged in their task for well over two years.
Second, there is a considerable breadth of representation of Hong Kong people on that Committee, covering a diverse range of opinions and interests.
Third, the process of drafting has been a remarkably open one. There has been a free exchange of views within the Committee, and no lack of information about the progress of the draft as this has evolved.
11.
All this reflects a sincere effort on the part of the Chinese authorities to retain the confidence of the Hong Kong public in the drafting process and to involve them fully in it. We very much welcome this approach.
12. The same enlightened and open-minded approach is now being applied to the process of public consultation. The Basic Law Consultative Committee have mounted an extensive publicity campaign to generate and collect views among Hong Kong people. The Chinese authorities have made clear their view that the draft text as it stands is far from ideal; that there is still much room for improvement; and that amendments will be made. There is thus scope for all Hong Kong people to make a input into the process of amending and improving the draft.
13. We have every reason to believe that the Chinese authorities will take careful account of all views expressed. Only in this way can a Basic Law emerge which can command the confidence and respect of people in Hong Kong and the wider international community.
14.
We are now about halfway through this first phase of the consultation process. The debate in Hong Kong is in full swing, as I was able to see for myself during my recent visit to the territory.
A high-level delegation of prominent mainland members of the Drafting Committee has paid a lengthy visit to Hong Kong for
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