The Government attaches great importance to the public's views on constitutional development, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang says, adding that the Task Force on Constitutional Development will begin meetings tomorrow to listen to various sectors' views on the issue.

Speaking at the Constitutional Affairs Panel meeting this morning, Mr Tsang pledged that the Task Force will honestly reflect what it has heard to the Central Government.

He said earlier on the Task Force had written to the Hong Kong & Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, asking that it arrange meetings for discussion on the issue.

The office has since replied indicating that the specific arrangements for the Task Force to visit Beijing could be discussed after the Chinese New Year, he added.

Noting that he did not have a timetable on the discussions, Mr Tsang said he hoped it would not take too long to complete.

Gov't issues discussion paper

To help the public discussions, the Government issued a paper yesterday outlining the principles and key issues involved in political development.

Members of different sectors of the community are welcome to express their views, using the dedicated e-mail address views@cab-review.gov.hk.

Mr Tsang stressed that the Government is open on the constitutional development, adding that what has been outlined in the paper does not represent the Government's stance.