EXTRACT FROM
HOUSE OF LO.DO DEBATES
THE
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES
(HANSARD)
IN THE THIRD SESSION OF THE FORTY-FOURTH PARLIAMENT OF THE
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND, COMMENCING ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF OCTOBER IN THE SEVENTEENTH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF
HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
FIFTH SERIES
VOLUME CCCIII
SEVENTH VOLUME OF SESSION 1968-69
HOUSE OF LORDS
Monday, 23rd June, 1969
The House met at half past two of the clock: The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
Prayers-Read by the Lord Chancellor.
HONG KONG: SOCIAL REFORMS
LORD BROCKWAY: My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
[The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what decisions were made regarding democratic and social reforms and a more enlightened labour policy on the occasion of the visit to Hong Kong of the Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.]
THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD SHEPHERD): My Lords, there is a constant exchange of views be- tween the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Hong Kong, and my recent visit was part of that contact. The over- whelming priority is to maintain the momentum of development in the fields of housing, the provision of medical facilities, water supplies and roads, pri- mary and secondary education and uni- versity development. Increased attention is being given to technical education, em-
H.L. 28 A9
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ployment opportunities and the provision of amenities for leisure. The Govern- ment have also done a great deal to reach down to the people and their problems. The City District Officer scheme is an impressive example of this. I was greatly impressed with the calibre of the officers, most of whom are Chinese, who are work- ing the scheme.
There are many Boards and Advisory Councils in existence in Hong Kong drawn from the general pub- lic which assist in policy con- siderations and a review of their scope and terms of reference is now being undertaken. Also several proposals for possible changes in the fields to which my noble friend has referred are at pres- ent being considered by the Government of Hong Kong. These I discussed in detail with the Governor, members of both Executive and Legislative Councils, urban council and other bodies.
I am confident that once the details have been thoroughly worked out proposals will be announced.
LORD BROCKWAY: My Lords, while welcoming my noble friend's re- turn, may I ask whether he is aware that many of us who have had reports from Hong Kong appreciate what he did in pressing for these reforms? May I ask him about two points which he did not mention? The first is the very interest- ing suggestion that an Ombudsman might be appointed for consultation with the under-privileged Chinese. Secondly, could my noble friend confirm that since his return the 12 Emergency Regulations which allowed for detention without trial for one year have been withdrawn?
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 NO.51 24-JUN 1969
HAIL!/19
Qa Asent
1. Deny King