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House of LOTUS
Wednesday, 11th April, 1984.
The House met at half-past two of the clock: The
AIRMAN OF COMMITTEES on the Woolsack.
Prayers-Read by the Lord Bishop of Southwell.
The Lord Bishop of Ripon
David Nigel de Lorentz. Lord Bishop of Ripon Was (in the usual manner) introduced between the Lord Bishop of Rochester and the Lord. Bishop of Carlisle.
Peking and Hong Kong: Ministerial Visit
2.43 p.m.
Lord Fanshawe of Richmond: My Lords. I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a statement on the forthcoming visit of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to Peking and Hong Kong.
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, (Baroness Young): My Lords, my right honourable friend will visit Peking at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister from 15th to 18th April. He will have discussions with the Foreign Minister and other Chinese leaders on all aspects of Hong Kong's future, as well as on other bilateral and international issues.
The Foreign Secretary's visit to Hong Kong will provide him with an opportunity to get a first-hand view of the territory and to listen to a wide range of opinion there. He will have discussions with the Governor and unofficial members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council. He will also meet elected and appointed representatives of the Urban Council and district boards as well as members of numerous professional and interest groups.
Lord Fanshawe of Richmond: My Lords, is my noble friend aware that at the present time there is grave concern and anxiety in Hong Kong about the future, which was underlined by the recent statement made by Jardine Matheson? Can my noble friend give an assurance that, when her right honourable friend the Secretary of State returns from Peking and Hong Kong, he will make a firm and detailed statement on the state of negotiations in Peking at the present time. including the method and arrangements which he intends should take place in order to ascertain the views of the people of Hong Kong when a final agreement is reached?
Baroness Young: My Lords, I can assure my noble friend that there is an agreed common aim of obtaining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. The
HL 18 K2
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Chinese Government, is to agree arrangements for the future which will maintain Hong Kong's stability andwzzi prosperity and be acceptable to the British Parliament, the Government of China and the people of Hong Kong,
I take note of my noble friend's interest in my right honourable friend's visit to China and Hong Kong. I can assure him that we shall consider carefully how best to ensure that your Lordships are informed of the results of that visit.
Lord Brockway: My Lords, may I ask the Minister whether the people of Hong Kong are to be given any opportunity to express their view regarding the agreement before it is put into operation?
Baroness Young: My Lords. there is a continuous process of consultation with the people of Hong Kong on all matters relating to the territory's future. The question of how this process can best be pursued is kept under review. A wide range of channels has evolved in Hong Kong through which people make their views known. We particularly value our regular discussions with the Governor and the unofficial members of the Executive Council, who are well placed to reflect the opinions of the Hong Kong people.
Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos: My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that we shall continue to support the Government while they seek a fair and equitable. solution to this matter? Is she further aware of the acute anxiety which exists in Hong Kong, and can she say whether some early indication will be given as to the progress of the negotiations? Furthermore, can she say whether the premature withdrawal of Jardine Matheson has had a serious effect on commercial confidence or on the negotiations which are now taking place?
Baroness Young: My Lords, we greatly value what the noble Lord, Lord Cledwyn, has said in giving his support to the Government in these negotiations. We are of course aware of the feelings of the people of Hong Kong at this time. It is our view-and indeed by agreement with the Chinese Government-that the contents of the talks at the present time remain confidential. But your Lordships. will be aware that successive rounds of talks have been described by both sides as "useful and constructive". and we are entering the twelfth round of talks.
common
On the question of confidence in Hong Kong, the Governor of Hong Kong made clear in his speech to the Legislative Council on 5th October 1983 that the Hong Kong Government intend to continue to invest vigorously in the future of Hong Kong and its people and in the development of the territory, and indeed they are doing so.
Lord Grimond: My Lords, can the noble Baroness go a little further on the questions which have already been asked? Will she agree that it is hardly enough simply to take the opinion of a Governor as represent- ing the people of Hong Kong, however excellent he may-be? In a democratic country surely there must be some obligation to devise some democratic means of
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