SECRET
Enti
Mr Crift, HKD
HK Kololi
RECEIVED IN REGISTRE
1 1 APR 1984
DESK OFFIES
INDEX
FROM: H B WARREN-GASH
DATE:
PS
9 April 1984
PS/PUS
Sir P Cradock Dr Wilson
Parliamentary Unit
ti. Takan
и
дов раку
(207)
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON HONG KONG : BUSINESS STATEMENT ON 12 APRIL
1.
The timing of the Easter Parliamentary Recess means that if we are to make it clear that we would be willing to have a short debate on Hong Kong following the Secretary of State's return from the Far East, the bid must be put in during the Business Statement this coming Thursday (12 April). This is not an ideal situation, in that the exchange will predate
the visit itself and will increase speculation in Hong Kong about the nature of the Secretary of State's announcement while he is there. But Mr Luce inclines to the view (and it is Mr Healey's view also) that this needs to be done in order to pre-empt pressure from both sides of the House for an oral statement as soon as the House resumes.
2. Mr Luce believes that, in order to minimise the risk of the exchange giving rise to exaggerated expectations, the wording of both the Question and Answer will need to be very carefully thought out. Mr Kinnock, who will put the question during the Business Statement, has helpfully indicated that he will be guided by us over the form of words. And we can, of course, offer the Leader language on which he can draw in his reply.
Mr Luce has suggested that Mr Kinnock might be invited to ask a question along the following lines:
3.
''In the light of the forthcoming visit of the Foreign & Commonwealth Secretary to Peking and Hong Kong, would the Leader of the House consider a short debate on this subject in May after the House returns?''
Mr Biffen might then be advised to reply:
4.
'Yes, we would be prepared to find time for a preliminary half-day debate. '
''
Mr Luce has suggested that, in view of its sensitivity, this is something which the Secretary of State might himself wish to consider on his return. In the meantime, any comments
/which
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