TNAG-1843-FCO40-2618-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 59

DECISIONS IN 1984 WHITE PAPER

Main conclusions were to:

introduce 24 indirectly elected seats into 1985 LegCo.

make no change to present system whereby Governor appoints

members of ExCo.

White Paper also noted little evidence of support for any move towards direct elections in 1985. Noted that most people favoured

cautious approach, introduction of small number of directly elected

seats in 1988, building up to significant number by 1997. There was

considerable public concern that too rapid progress towards direct elections could jeopardise Hong Kong's future stability and

prosperity.

White Paper undertook to review position, including such

questions as introduction of direct elections, in 1987 in time for

1988 elections.

White Paper decided that the question of changes affecting

Executive Council should remain open for further public discussion

and consideration.

5.

Also noted suggestions for some form of Ministerial system in

future. It concluded that this question raised important

constitutional questions. It was not matter that needed to be decided in immediate future, nor was it only way of proceeding.

whole subject would be addressed at later stage.

The

DID WE CONSULT. CHINESE IN ADVANCE ON GREEN AND WHITE PAPERS?

We informed Chinese as courtesy shortly before publication in

both cases.

1