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What are the reasons for reducing the strength of the garrison? Is it meant to be a friendly gesture to China? Or was the decision made solely in view of the current manpower and economic situation in Britain? Will the garrison be progressively withdrawn.
The
We have no intention of abandoning Hong Kong. proposal to reduce the garrison was made bearing in mind both the minimum force level necessary to meet the objectives of the garrison in Hong Kong and the current manpower
and economic situation in Britain. The size of the cuts
will be the subject of consultations, but it is important that they should not be such as to endanger security. The arrangements are a matter for discussion between the governments but there will be no precipitate withdrawal.
Does the Minister consider it fair to ask Hong Kong to shoulder a larger share of the defence bill when the strength of the garrison is to be reduced and when Hong Kong too is having its own economic difficulties?
I am aware of Hong Kong's present economic problems. I also know how much the expanding programme of social services will cost and I support that expansion.
But
the position in Britain is also serious, and I do not think we are being unreasonable in asking Hong Kong to pay a larger share of the cost of its own internal security.'
WIDER PUBLIC REPRESENTATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
13.
What are your views about enlarging the unofficial membership of the Legislative Council to include people who can speak for all levels of society, including those in the lower income bracket?
Like the Governor, I consider it a desirable long term objective that the Legislative Council's membership should include people who can speak for all levels of society.
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Have discussions yet been held on this matter between the two Governments?
The Governor and I are keeping this question under continuous review.
Do you consider that members of the Legislative Council should be elected?
The circumstances of Hong Kong are special and make very difficult any constitutional progress on the path customarily followed by dependent territories.
I am
Are you satisfied with the progress towards greater public participation in Government and of suggestions that the Urban Council should have wider powers?
(Greater Fublic Participation in Government). broadly satisfied with llong Kong's progress towards public participation in government and particularly impressed by progress of the new Mutual Aid Committees. (Urban Council). The precise delimitation of the Council's powers is principally a matter for the Hong Kong Government.
From what you have seen and heard, are you satisfied with the performance of the City District Officer scheme in bridging the gap between the Government and the people?
I have the impression that this has been a considerable help in bringing the Government and the people more closely in touch with one another.
CHINESE REPRESENTATION IN HONG KONG
18.
Has the Chinese Government made any overtures recently to have an official representative permanently resident in Hong Kong?
There have been no recent discussions with the Chinese about their proposal for the establishment of an official Chinese representative in Hong Kong. (If pressed).
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The Chinese have been given no encouragement to pursue their proposal. We do not intend to raise the matter ourselves. We would of course listen to any further representations which might be made
to us.
THE WALLED CITY OF KOWLOON
19.
There is no question in British law that the liong Kong Government can exercise jurisdiction over the Walled City.
Do you consider that the Chinese Government is no longer sensitive to the political status of the Walled City and that the Hong Kong Government can now enforce legislation over buildings, safety measures and such matters?
The legal situation affecting the area in question is complex. It is not for me to speculate on the views held by the Chinese. Government.
CORRUPTION
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Do you think that there is still a great deal of corruption in Hong Kong? If so, are you worried about the situation?
From what you have seen are you satisfied with the work of ICAC in stamping out corruption in Hong Kong?
I naturally support the efforts being made by the Hong Kong Government, and by the Independent Committee against Corruption (ICAC), to investigate and eliminate corruption in Hong Kong.
HONG KONG'S STERLING RESERVES
22.
If the Hong Kong Government decides to withdraw all, or part, of its sterling reserves, what will be the attitude of the British Government?
This is a hypothetical question. (If pressed). There is no outstanding problem in this area, where Britain's relations with Hong Kong are as close and as good as they have ever been.
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NEGOTIATION
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