SECRET
DEBATE ON HONG KONG : 16 MAY 1984
WINDING-UP SPEECH BY MR LUCE
1. I am most grateful to all those Honourable members who have
contributed to the Debate. They have demonstrated a concern for the
future of Hong Kong that will, I am sure, be much appreciated by the
people of the teritory. Hong Kong has no representatives in this
House, but tonight's Debate has shown clearly that it does not lack
friends here.
2. When he opened the debate My Right Honourable and learned friend
outlined the approach that HMG have been taking in our negotiations with the Chinese over the future of Hong Kong. In the light of the issues raised during the debate, there are some additional points
on this that I should like to make. First of all, there is no basis
for the charge that HMG have sold out the people of Hong Kong. Their interests have constantly been at the forefront of our minds.
We have been trying and will continue to try throughout the talks to
obtain a deal for Hong Kong that will effectively preserve its
prosperity and stability. HMG has always stated clearly that its aim in the negotiations is to secure an agreement that is acceptable
to the people of Hong Kong as well as to this House and the Chines
Government. But all those associated with the negotiations
who conduct them and those who give their views on them
approach the unique problem posed by Hong Kong in a sense of
realism. There is no precedent, no parallel for the historical and
geographical circumstances of Hong Kong, a territory 92% of which is
covered by a lease expiring in 1997.
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must
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3. This brings me to another charge that sovereignty over Hong Kong has already been conceded to China. HMG are fully aware that
it is not in their power to concede sovereignty. This could only be
done with the consent of Parliament. The issue of sovereignty will be dealt with fully in the proposals that the government will put to this House later in the year. The package of arrangements which we
bring to the House then must be judged and will be decided upon as
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SECRET