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the French Government concerning the severe hardships caused by the delay in paying compensation to the relatives and dependants of the 46 Britons killed in the mid-air collision over France in March 1973.
Mr. Judd: There are now two actions in progress in the French courts: a suit in the Administrative Court against the French Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Equipment, and another in the Penal Court against per- sons unknown" to determine the liability of the military ground con- trollers and the Spantax pilot. The matter is, therefore, still sub judice. However, the Embassy in Paris is keep- ing in close touch with the French authorities, and most recently asked them on 14th November for information about the position reached. A reply is awaited.
Disarmament
Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the Government have submitted for the agenda of next year's special United Nations Assembly on disarmament; and whether they in- tend to make any proposals leading ultimately to general and complete dis- 'armament on the basis of the 1961
McCloy-Zorin principles.
Mr. Luard: The Government's letter of 2nd May to the United Nations Secre- tary General, copies of which are avail- - able in the Library of the House, sug- gested a framework for the agenda of the Special Session on Disarmament. The Preparatory Committee for the Special Session has recommended the adoption by the current General Assembly of an agenda which incorporates our ideas.
Our objective is general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. We are seeking -to move towards it by a series of im- portant specific measures such as a com- prehensive test ban treaty. We shall work constructively at the Special Session for a declaration on disarmament and a programme of action which will give an impetus to progress in the spirit of McCloy-Zorin principles.
Hong Kong
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
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if he will make a statement on the recently announced amnesty to the Hong Kong Police Force.
Dr. Owen: I fully endorse the Governor's decision to grant an amnesty and his subsequent refusal to extent it.
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions were held with his office concerning the recent amnesty on cor- ruption cases in Hong Kong.
Dr. Owen: The Foreign and Common- wealth Office was kept fully informed of the decisions taken by the Governor.
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions were held with the Executive Council on the recent amnesty declared in Hong Kong.
Dr. Owen: In view of the urgency of the situation it was not possible to consult the Executive Council before the decision to grant the amnesty was taken.
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many police officers have been tried by the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong to the latest available date; and how many were con- victed and how many cleared.
Dr. Owen: The Independent Commis- sion Against Corruption has no judicial powers. However, between 14th February 1974, when the Commission was estab- lished, and 10th November 1977, the numbers of police officers awaiting trial, convicted or acquitted by the criminal courts on charges brought by the Com- mission were:
Convicted Acquitted Awaiting trial
129
79 52
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many police officers are awaiting trial under the Independent Commission Against Corruption ordinance in Hong Kong to the latest available date.
Dr. Owen: 52.
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many corrupt syndicates are under
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