TNAG-2047-FCO40-2917-Visits-by-staff-of-the-Department-of-Trade-and-Industry-to-H-1990 — Page 109

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to the Steering Group. As he is incidentally a member of the Chamber, this should satisfy their needs. It is not certain whether this will be public knowledge by the time of the visit. If raised, therefore, encouraging but non-commital replies can be given.

Constitutional Development

7.

THIS IS A COPY

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

CLOSED UNDER

FOI EXEMPTION NO. 27 (1)

In a White Paper published in 1984 the Hong Kong Government touched on the question of direct elections and hinted that a small number of directly elected members would be in place in 1988 although no direct commitment to do so was made. In a follow up White Paper of February 1988, the Government however came to the conclusion that it would not be right to introduce direct elections in 1988 but that 10 directly elected seats (out of 56) should be introduced in 1991. This decision was attacked by the liberal elements.

8. In May and June last year members of the Legislative and Executive Councils (OMELCO) recommended that there should be one third directly elected seats in 1991 and no less than 50% directly elected seats in 1997. However the first draft of the Basic Law for Hong Kong, which China was drafting, only made provision for there to be 15 directly elected seats out of 60 in 1997.

While

this decision was not universally welcomed in Hong Kong, the great majority of people were relieved that the uncertainty was over and were keen to ensure that the 1991 elections

were a success.

9.

The Chief Secretary of Hong Kong introduced the detailed proposals for the 1991 elections in March and draft legislation to put these into effect was introduced into the

FABAMZ/3

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