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21 JULY 1969
in Anguilla are unlikely to happen in St. Vincent. However, there is a widespread demand in St. Vincent for associated state- hood. As we promised that in 1966, we feel that it is right to do it now. My right hon, and noble Friend Lord Shepherd visited the island and spent a considerable time testing all kinds of information. On his return, he reported very strongly that there was this desire, and we think it right to agree to it.
Hong Kong
21. Mr. Rankin asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to reach a con- clusion on the matter of appointing an Ombudsman for Hong Kong.
Mr. Foley The recently devised City District Officer team, which is working most satisfactorily, is providing the general public in Hong Kong with an opportunity of making known to the authorities their views on the conduct of public affairs. Other arrangements also exist. Consideration is, however, being given in the Colony to the question of how complaints that may exist among the pub- lic may be more carefully and fully examined.
Mr. Rankin: I thank my hon. Friend for that Answer. Would he not go the whole hog and agree that if an Ombuds- man can find a useful function in Britain he could find a more useful function to perform in a part of the Commonwealth where there is no democracy whatsoever?
Mr. Foley: I am not sure that one can equate the two in this context. In Hong Kong, there is not an elected ele- ment in the legislature and this presents certain difficulties in the creation of an office of Ombudsman or a similar office.
Mr. Goodhew: Is my hon. Friend aware that the Government in Hong Kong do a very good job, despite the number of Communists who can infiltrate that area from Communist China? Is he not also aware that the vast majority of the Hong Kong Chinese support the Government wholeheartedly?
Mr. Foley I am aware that the Gov- ernment of Hong Kong does a very good job and, equally, that there are some problems unresolved.
Mr. Richard: Is my hon. Friend not aware that it is wrong to equate the City
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District Officers scheme and an Ombuds- man? The main difference is that an Ombudsman has certain executive func- tions and can recommend certain courses of action. Whereas the City District Officers scheme-desirable and welcome though it is-is no more than an oppor tunity for people to complain to the Government?
Mr. Foley: Yes, but I draw my hon. Friend's attention to the fact that, in the absence of elected representatives, there is a problem of sifting complaints. This is why, in the meantime, what has been devised is, to my mind, the best that could be done.
22. Mr. Rankin asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many persons are now de- tained in Hong Kong under emergency provisions; and for what reason.
Mr. Foley: None, Sir.
Mr. Rankin: None? Would my hon. Friend make some inquiry into the authenticity of that Answer? Is he aware that the number which I am given is not none but thousands? Would he look into that matter?
Mr. Foley: I want to make it abso- lutely clear to my hon. Friend that I do not stand up at this Box and give an Answer which I have not verified. The Answer is, 'None, Sir," in terms of persons who are now detained under emergency provisions.
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Mr. Driberg: When my hon. Friend uses the words "detained and deten- tion", is he referring only to persons detained without trial? Is there not still in prison a large number of persons who were tried on charges arising out of the emergency?
Mr. Foley: That is certainly true. I answered the Question on the Order Paper.
N.A.T.O. (Scientific Discussions)
26. Mr. Dodds-Parker asked the Secre- tary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs whether he will propose that those members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation who are not mem- bers of the European Economic Com. munity should meet regularly to discuss the scientific subjects discussed as a
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