HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 14 March 1984
-
77
inconceivable that Parliament will not wish to know, when the time comes, what
have been expressed in this Council.
It is perhaps appropriate for me at this point in the debate to draw attention to the record of the Legislative Council and its place in the governance of Hong Kong. This Council's deliberations have provided Hong Kong with a body of laws for the good government of Hong Kong and those deliberations have made a vital contribution, over the years, to the stability and prosperity which those who live here enjoy today. Through debates, questions and motions, Members have reflected and articulated the concerns of the people of Hong Kong on many issues, on many occasions.
Members have today spoken on the issue of the future. They have shown, once again, that they speak carefully and responsibly. They have demonstrated that their aim is to make a constructive contribution to the achievement of an objective which is shared by all, that is to say, arrangements for the future which will satisfy Britain and China and which will, at the same time, carry confidence in Hong Kong. Members have spoken with a deep sense of commitment to the well-being of Hong Kong. I cannot believe, therefore, that the debate for which this motion calls will, when it takes place, do other than help, and certainly it will not hinder, the achievement of that objective.
For all these reasons, it follows, Sir, Official Members will vote in favour of this motion.
MR. LOBO:-Sir, this debate has been conducted with care and responsibility.
It has given us a chance to express our anxieties and I believe it has made a positive contribution to the process of reaching an acceptable agreement which will enjoy the support of the people of Hong Kong.
Sir, I agree with the Chief Secretary that neither this debate nor the acceptance of the motion involves interference with the discussions now taking place between the British and Chinese governments.
The debate has shown once again that in matters of importance to the well- being of our community, Members of this Council speak without sectional or selfish interest and reflect a broad spectrum of opinion.
Our lack of elected status does not alter that fact nor take away from the validity of what has been said this afternoon.
The people of Hong Kong are being asked to take a great deal on trust.
We are asked to believe that under a Chinese Administration, our way of life and our institutions would not be changed.
We are asked by the British Government to take it on trust that by the time they reach an agreement on our future, it will mirror the wishes of the Hong Kong people and will be acceptable to us.