}
HUD
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1A 2AH
(292
11 April 1984
MKK040
== { "
AFR 1984
Jear David,
Hong Kong:
1
IN YEK
in
ids 19th
Debate
We have been in touch about the possibility of a debate on Hong Kong after the Foreign Secretary returns from his Far Eastern tour at the beginning of May.
Mr Luce has been in touch with Mr Denis Healey. We understand that Mr Kinnock intends to ask a question of the Leader of the House on 26 April on the following lines:
"In the light of the visit of the Secretary of State
for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to China and Hong Kong, will the Leader of the House consider making time for a short preliminary debate in May".
He
The Foreign Secretary believes that it would be helpful to have the co-operation of the Opposition in order to avoid a premature debate as soon as the House resumes. hopes that Mr Biffen will on 26 April be able to indicate that the Government are willing to find time for a half day debate in the fortnight or so after his return. I have discussed some possible dates with Murdo Maclean.
A similar formula could be used, provided that the Leader of the House is content, in answering Oral Questions on the subject on 25 April.
I am copying this letter to Murdo Maclean (Chief Whip's Office).
Yo ever,
Reter Ricketts
(P F Ricketts) Private Secretary
*
David Heyhoe Esq PS/LPS
CONFIDENTIAL