TNAG-2714-FCO40-3920-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1993 — Page 163

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

presented himself regularly to the Legislative Council to explain

Hong Kong Government policies and to answer members' questions. The traditional practice of relevant Hong Kong Government officials answering questions in the Legislative Council has continued.

26. The Governor has ended the previous practice of overlapping membership between the non-officials on the Executive and Legislative Councils. The more political climate in the Legislative Council, following the September 1991 direct elections, meant that those who were members of both Councils were subject to potentially conflicting loyalties. The requirement for members of the Executive Council to observe confidentiality and collective responsibility and to support Government policies could conflict with the responsibilities of elected Legislative Councillors to their constituents. The Governor decided that by separating the non-official membership of the two Councils, each Council would be better able to develop its proper role. Legislative Councillors would be free to develop their political programmes and parties, without the constraints that membership of the Executive Council must impose.

The Chief Executive

27.

The Government has not yet discussed with the Chinese

Government the machinery for the selection of the First Chief Executive (3.18). We intend to do so at an appropriate time.

(ii) Airport and Related Infrastructure Projects

28. In October 1989 the then Governor of Hong Kong announced plans for the long term development of Hong Kong's port and airport, including the construction of a new international airport

at Chek Lap Kok to replace the existing one at Kai Tak. The plan called for the new airport to open in 1997 with one runway in operation.

select.cttee.PR.JRB

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