TNAG-2728-FCO40-3934-Hong-Kong-elections-proposed-functional-constituencies-1993 — Page 84

SECRET

XCX(93)36

In this connection, Members will note that there is precedent for giving an FC seat to associate professionals, viz. the Health Care FC for nurses, midwives, pharmacists etc. It is also consistent with our principle that FCs should continue to represent both economic and professional sectors. The electorate of this FC will comprise associate professionals who are members of the relevant representative associations, plus individuals holding similar qualifications.

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Agriculture and Fisheries. This proposal builds on a similar sector proposed by the Chinese side. Whilst most of Hong Kong's food supplies are imported, local production is nonetheless important as it enables Hong Kong to maintain some degree of self-sufficiency and helps to stabilize the price and supply of fresh produce. Local production now provides about 26% of fresh vegetables, 27% of live poultry, and 63% of live and fresh marine fish. The electorate of this FC will comprise members of the relevant trade associations (e.g. livestock breeders, fishing vessel owners).

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Construction,

Manufacturing,

Utilities and Communications, Service Industry, Public Services. The Chinese have proposed to give an extra seat to the existing Labour FC (it currently has two seats). We share the concern that employers' interests are already over-represented in the current 21 FCs, and that this should be balanced by a suitable increase in employees' representation. We thus propose to give one FC seat each to the labour force organizations in the five major industrial sectors in Hong Kong, with members of the relevant trade unions forming the electorate.

Further Negotiations With The Chinese

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Our proposed new FCs meet the only theoretical objection from the Chinese side to our original proposals. But when we put them forward at the next round of talks, the Chinese will no doubt press for a smaller franchise. Our negotiators will press for substantial constituencies although there may need to be some give and take at the margin. If any adjustment to our proposals is considered necessary in the light of progress in the negotiations, further advice from Members will be sought.

Executive Council