Annex
From the reports we have seen in the press and
from statements issued by the Government, it would appear
that some of our trading partners are not prepared to play
the game by some of the existing rules. The European Economic Community (EEC) is reported to be seeking changes to the MFA. This arrangement is, in the view of textile
exporting countries, already a restrictive instrument.
The reports have it that the EEC wants to make it more
restrictive, thus making the framework for future negotiations
even more unfavourable to exporting countries.
I am particularly disturbed from press reports
that the United Kingdom, is said to be a party to the proposals
for such changes. If these reports are accurate, and there
appears to be no reason to suggest that they are not, they would seem to undermine the very positive, helpful and encouraging
remarks made by Sir Peter Carey, a senior civil servant in the Department of Industry in the United Kingdom who visited Hong Kong recently, and who, on departure, emphasised the special relationship between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong
and the determination of the U.K. Government to ensure that
in matters relating to commercial relations, regard would be
had of this special relationship. I think, Sir, the public
in Hong Kong is entitled to re-assurance from Her Majesty's Government that it would play no part in the EEC in matters which adversely, and more importantly, unfairly affect Hong Kong;
and indeed it should be expected to go further by defending
Hong Kong in such circumstances.