objective agreed by the Prime Minister and Chairman Deng Xiaoping
last year.
Progress has been steady, if unspectacular. But then we
have never pretended that the talks would be easy, nor that they
would be concluded quickly. As you will all know better than I, the talks cover areas of real personal significance to a great many
people. We attach the greatest importance to ensuring that Hong
Kong's interests are properly covered.
This leads me on to what I consider to be one of the most important
developments over the last year. I have been struck by the balanced
and constructive way in which people in Hong Kong are approaching the problem. It is important that everyone concerned should make their views known. It is right that they should voice their worries but right too that they should show confidence that there
will be a genuine future for every man and woman who contributes
to the success of the Territory. This confidence will I know be
justified. The combined interests of Hong Kong, Britain and China all point in that direction.
Well I have talked enough for the moment. I shall be delighted to
answer your questions.