f
15 JUNE 1979
419
Gral Answers
action on this front? Wil' we back it up by reinforcing the troops in Hong Kong? ¡Laughter.]
Mr. Blaker: The Governor took the
opportunity to explain to the Chinese authorities the serious problems created for Hong Kong by the continuing high rate of both legal and illegal immigra- tion into Hong Kong from China. The Chinese admitted that the measures taken up to that time had not been effective, and they undertook to do more. Since that time my right hon. and noble Friend and I have had conversations with the Chinese ambassador in London, and representatio... have been m' in Peking, pointing out to the Chinese Gov- erument the serious situation that is being created for Hong Kong. I am glal to say that the figures on legal immigration have shown something of a drop. We should like to see a further drop. The figures on illegal immigration remain very serious.
The strength of the garrison is kept under constant review. A decision about whether any change is necessary in the present circumstances will be taken after Ministers have had an opportunity to dis cuss the current situation in Hong Ko with the governor during his visit this week
Mr. Flannery: During the discussions with the Chinese Government, was the enachronism of the colony of Hong Kong discussed? Does the fact still re- main that in 1999 Hong Kong will go back to China as of right?
Mr. Blaker: I certainly do not re- gard Hong Kong as an anachronism. It is a success story. But, since the visit of the governor was not for the purposes of negotiation, it would not have been appro- priate for the long-term future of Hong Kong to be discussed. I can also tell
the hon. Gentleman that the Chinese leaders took the opportunity of the governor's visit to emphasise to him the importance to them of maintaining_con- fidence and investment in Hong Kong, and they particularly asked that Hong Kong investors should be reassured about the future.
Sir Paul Bryan: Is my hon. Friend aware that both the last Opposition ques- tion and the laughter from Labour Members with regard to the reinforcement
3 H 30
Oral Answers
421
420
Is he
Ors
Itowards a settleme got stand in the y that account?
Sir 1. Gilmor: that an agreeine:
of the garrison shows greaɩ ignorance of the situation in Hong Kong? aware that the main duty of the Army in Hong Kong is now the policing of the border, that one of the reasons for this great flood of immigrants is the impossi-doubt very much bility sufficiently to police that border, ploy more troops there? and that it may well be necessary to de-
Mr. Blaker: It is a fact that some Labour Members have shown that they do not sufficier tly understand either Hong Kong or its problems. I am glad to say that there are some Labour Mem- bers who do. As for the rest of my hon. Friend's question, as I have said, these matters will be discussed with the governor this week.
Mr. Robert Hughes: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I apologise for rais- ing this point of order now. The accou- stics are particularly bad today, and when Ministers turn their heads to speak to heir own. Back Benchers they are totally inaudible to us. We should like to hear their answers.
Mr. Speaker: My microphone is work- ing perfectly. However, if those who are responsible can hear, I hope that they will attend to the matter, and that Minis- ters, like everyone else, will speak up.
Cyprus
7. Mr. Christopher Price asked the Lord Privy Seal what efforts he is cur- rently making to bring about a settlement in Cyprus.
Sir Ian Gilmour: The Government welcome the agreement between President Kyprianou and Mr. Denktash that inter- communal negotiations shall be resumed on 15 June. The Cypriot parties and Dr. Waldheim know that Britain remains ready to help in any way it thinks useful.
Mr. Price: Has the right hon. Gentle- man noticed the statement at the press conference three weeks ago by Mr. Denk- tash that the future of the British mili- tary bases in Cyprus was not irrelevant to any settlement that might take place? Since that time, two of the major Greek- Cypriot parties have made important statements to the same effect. Will he give an assurance that if, during these negotia- tions, it turns out that some adjustment to the Sovereign base areas would assist
base areas are a agreement. While giving up any par areas, should the which kept the Cypriot commun tions, obviously motter again an ment. However, as unlikely
Mr. Cyril D. hon. Friend a bases are used to United Nations Į island, and that Turkish Cypriot the Sovereign b important role f
Sir I. Gilmou concerned with always been m Government, w that matter. O with my hon. 1
Mr. Thomas Gentleman aw are made to ac deep anguish community abo have been miss invasion? De the fullest inf reply has com ernment about people.
Sir 1. Gilmo there are stron ings on this m ably aware th and 19 May that agreemer formula for t mittee to inve have not yet ernment hope which I agree begin.
9. Mr. Ad Seal if he wil
3 H 31