§ 79. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that a former Taipo District Officer has charged the Hong Kong Government with continuing neglect of the New Territories; and if he will consider giving the people in this part of Hong Kong representation in the Legislative Council so that they may voice their own grievances.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleI am aware that such criticism was contained in an article published in a Hong Kong newspaper last month. Unofficial members of the Legislative Council are appointed on a personal basis and not as representatives of geographical areas. In view of the constitutional implications involved, it would be undesirable to depart from this principle; but there are other means whereby the people of the New Territories can make known their views.