HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 14 March 1984
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this time and place, Hong Kong people must stand up and try their best. should not think only of themselves, but also for others. They should express their views in a constructive manner. They should not adopt the escapist attitude but on the contrary should take a positive look at the future. Only then Hong Kong is worthy of a future.
With these remarks, Sir, I support the motion.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY: Sir, with my Official Colleagues, I have listened to the debate with close attention and very great interest. I wish to pay tribute to those Members who have spoken for the deep seriousness and great sense of duty and responsibility which they have shown in approaching an issue which affects the entire future of Hong Kong and of its people and is of vital concern to us all.
As Mr. LOBO said, it is now 18 months since the Prime Minister, Mrs. THATCHER, visited China and a communique was issued which stated that the leaders of both countries agreed to enter into talks through diplomatic channels, following her visit, with the common aim of maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. It is eight months since the second phase of the talks. began. There have been nine rounds since the second phase of the talks began. The tenth round will take place on Friday and Saturday of this week. It has been officially revealed that the talks are proceeding steadily and making progress and that they are being supplemented by informal contacts between the two sides. They are known to be covering detailed ground. Additionally, there is the expressed intention of the Chinese Government to announce their policies and guidelines in September this year. Inevitably, all these developments have created in Hong Kong an air of expectation and given rise to a call for more to be made known of what the future has in store. Against this background, it is entirely natural and understandable that Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council should wish to raise this issue of the future in the terms of the motion which is now before us.
There has been much discussion in the press and elsewhere about this motion. As a number of Members have pointed out, it is a procedural motion, properly constituted, and in accordance with the Standing Orders of this Council. It does not seek to breach the confidentiality of the talks by seeking detailed information now about their content and progress. Nor does the motion seek to lay down in advance what the outcome of the negotiations should be. What Unofficial Members are seeking, through this motion, is simply an opportunity to discuss any proposals for the future of Hong Kong in this Council before any final agreement is reached between the British and Chinese Governments.
I find it difficult to see why there should be any quarrel with that proposition. It is fully accepted that the conduct of the talks in Peking is a matter for the two governments. At the same time, British Ministers have repeatedly stressed that the views of the people of Hong Kong will be taken fully into account. They have also formally stated that their aim is to seek a settlement which will be