More than 200 submissions on the proposed development of the political appointment system have been received, the Constitutional Affairs Bureau says.

The four-month consultation on creating positions to support principal officials, namely deputy directors of bureau and assistants to directors of bureau, ended today.

More than half the submissions are from the general public. The rest are from lawmakers and district councillors, political parties and groups, civil service groups, think tanks, youth and professional bodies, as well as other community organisations.

All views and feedback received during the consultation period will be studied carefully, with a view to making public the Government's proposed way forward in the first half of 2007.

The actual timing and pace of implementing the proposed arrangements will be subject to the views received, resources available, and availability of individuals of the right calibre to fill the new positions.