TNAG-2450-FCO40-3567-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1992 — Page 143

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10.

do straightaway.

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Let me begin with those things we can and should

My intention is to ensure that we have vigorous and effective executive-led government that is properly accountable to this Legislative Council.

I

believe that at the present stage of our political development there is a danger of confusion and muddle which will both undermine the competence of the executive and inhibit the effective development of the legislature as an independent check on Government.

11.

Hong Kong has come a long way in constitutional terms in the last year. But, as I have implied, this political development has cast doubt on the relationship between the Executive and Legislative Councils.

hardly surprising.

That is

Since we have now embarked on the

task of creating a wholly elected Legislature, that has implications for the role of the Executive Council. However, we should not lose sight of our principal task. As the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law both make

plain, it is the Legislature which is the main constitutional element that must be strengthened.

is, therefore, my major concern.

That

12.

With a stronger legislature, what are the

options for the development of ExCo and for its advisory

role?

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