SECRET
XCX(93)44
PUBLIC REACTION
16
The proposal to extend the deadline for submission of the BEC's recommendations on MC constituency boundaries will prompt speculation about deadlines for the talks. It may also lead some to believe erroneously that the talks would be given four additional months to run. To counter these speculations, we will point out that there is no connection between the new deadline and the time left for the talks.
PUBLICITY
17
The Administration would announce the decision to extend the deadline for submission of the BEC's recommendations on MC constituency boundaries on 20 October 1993. A press release and a Legislative Council Brief will be issued on that day.
18
The press release would explain clearly the rationale for extending the deadline for the BEC to submit its recommendations. We will stress that there is no connection between the new BEC deadline and the time left to conclude the talks. The new deadline is related only to the practical need to complete by early July 1994 (before Legislative Council goes into summer recess) all statutory procedures for setting the MC constituencies (see paragraphs 7 to 9) which need to be included in the 1994 final voter register (to be published before 8 August 1994). A defensive line-to-take will be prepared to handle press enquiries in case the proposal is leaked.
ATTENDANCE
Mr C.M. LEUNG
Mr G.Y.S. YEUNG
Mr R.A. GRIFFEY
Deputy Secretary (Constitutional Affairs)
Principal Assistant Secretary (Constitutional Affairs)
Senior Assistant Law Draftsman.
7 October 1993 (CAB C1/25/1)
COUNCIL CHAMBER
Executive Council
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.