475
Walled City
{11 JUNE 1974]
The Chinese have in the past, and do now, claim jurisdiction over the Walled City. In 1963 they protested strongly when the Hong Kong Government attempted to carry out clearance opera- tions. In fact, the reaction was such and the implications were so apparent, that the clearance operation was stopped. The issue is, therefore, sensitive and Her Majesty's Government--not just the present Government but their predeces- sors-believe that the risks attached to precipitate action might indeed create problems worse than the conditions them- selves.
The Governor's aim is to build up a working relationship with the inhabitants of the Walled City itself which will enable specific problems to be discussed on the local level, for there to be acceptance and co-operation in ameliorative policies which in turn will have their effect upon the attitude and reaction of the great People's Republic of China which, under- standably, is watching everything that is happening in Hong Kong and in the Walled City.
In the past very dangerous friction has arisen over the question of jurisdiction in the Walled City. I have recently con- sulted the Governor. He intends to con- tine to improve the areas around the Walled City, so far as possible, in such a way as to avoid friction, and gradually to expand urban services within it, as he and his Government are now doing. It is his and our hope that this policy will generate confidence among the city's in- habitants and, therefore, beyond the boundaries of the city and the boun- daries of the Colony, and will produce an acceptance of this policy of social reform and a positive desire to help over the improvement of conditions within the city.
476
of Kowloon
this extraordinarily difficult problem. would wish on our own account to decide whether to take such a course and when and in what way, except after the closest consultation with those who really have to cope with the problem and with the eventualities which result from such action in Hong Kong itself. I shall be secing the Governor soon, and I can assure noble Lords that this point will once more be a question for discussion. There are wider considerations to be taken into account, and it would be very wrong of me to enter into any firm com- mitment that this attractive and sensible suggestion will in fact be implemented.
I have listened very carefully to every- thing that has been said. 1 was very glad to hear tributes from both sides of the House to the present Governor, who has indeed done a
very great deal already for Hong Kong and for this enclave. I welcome this debate, and particularly I welcome that it should put the facts on the Record of the British Parliament, and reflect how concerned we all are in this House about the future of this enclave and, indeed, of Hong Kong.
BRITISH WATERWAYS BOARD BILL
Brought from the Commons; read 1a, and referred to the Examiners.
STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS
Eighth Report from the Joint Com- mittee, made and to be printed.
House adjourned at nineteen minutes before eleven o'clock.
Both noble Lords rightly raised the question of whether the time has not come for a more positive approach to the Government of the People's Republic. I certainly do not rule this out. I do not think that either noble Lord, myself or anybody speaking from London about | Maybray-King.
Erratum
In yesterday's DAILY PART at col. 232, the interjection shown as being made by Lord Platt was in fact made by Lord
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