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15.
THE HONG KONG GARRISON
The main provisions of the Defence Costs Agreement, which came into force in April last year, were announced to the House on 19 December 1975. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence told my hon. Friend the member for Sheffield Heeley (Mr Hooley) on 9 November last, we are satisfied that the
Agreement remains in the best interests of both Her Majesty's
Government and the Hong Kong Government.
16. THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THE EXPIRY OF THE LEASE
Her Majesty's Government will continue to administer Hong Kong in
the intersts of those who live there. 1997 is still quite a long way ahead and a great deal will have happened by then, not only in the area but in other parts of the world as well. It is not
possible to predict what the circumstances will be so far in
the future.
17.
DEVELOPMENTS IN CHINA
Developments in China have had no significant effect on Anglo/ Chinese relations and the confidence of Her Majesty's Government in the continuing development of Hong Kong has not been shaken by them. Anglo/Chinese relations remain excellent and practical contacts over Hong Kong are friendly and helpful. Her Majesty's Government see no reason why Hong Kong should become an issue in Anglo/Chinese relations.
18. HONG KONG'S "UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES" AND A WARSAW PACT PRESENCE
I would refer to the reply that my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs gave to my hon. Friend the member for Liverpool, Scotland Exchange Division (Mr Parry) on 10 February that the unique circumstances of Hong Kong would not allow for consular representation in all cases.7
19. A SECOND AIRPORT IN HONG KONG
I would refer to the replies that my hon. Friendy the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Scotland Exchange Division (Mr Parry on 20 January that inter alia no decision had yet been taken on whether a new airport should be built in Hong Kong.7