§ Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make on constitutional changes in Hong Kong.
§ Mr. George Hall:Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have under consideration the means by which, in Hong Kong as elsewhere in the Colonial Empire, the inhabitants of the territory can be given a fuller and more responsible share in the management of their own affairs. One possible method of achieving this end would be by handing over certain func- 17W tions of the internal administration, hitherto exercised by the Government, to a Municipal Council constituted on a fully representative basis. The establishment of such a Council and the transference to it of important functions of Government might, it is believed, be an appropriate and acceptable means of affording to all communities in Hong Kong an opportunity of more active participation through their responsible representatives in the administration of the territory. But before a decision is taken on the method of giving effect to the intentions of His Majesty's Government it is considered essential that the important issues involved should be thoroughly examined in Hong Kong itself, the fullest account being taken of the views and wishes of the inhabitants. The Governor has accordingly been instructed to examine the whole question in consultation with representatives of all sections of the community and to submit a report at an early date, bearing in mind the policy of His Majesty's Government that the Constitution should be revised on a more liberal basis as soon as possible. The aim will be to settle and to announce not later than the end of this year the principles on which that revision should be based.