Mr. Mark Carlisle (Warrington, South): In view of the fact that there is obviously a possibility that some agreement will be arrived at during the recess over the future of Hong Kong, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that should that happen we would hope for an early debate on any such agreement?
Mr. Biffen: I shall most certainly bear that point in mind.
Mr. David Young (Bolton, South-East): I am worried about the right hon. Gentleman's rather insipid reply on Hong Kong. Many of us with constituencies in the north- west have large Chinese communities who are extremely worried about the issues arising out there. They are particularly interested in knowing how people are to be consulted about their future. May I press the right hon. Gentleman specifically to state the Government's intentions to consult the House about the negotiations which are now taking place and which are due to be finalised by September?
Mr. Biffen: I think that my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary is conducting most difficult negotiations with great skill, and certainly he is very anxious that the House should be informed at all stages. I take account of the representation just made, as I did that of the Member for Warrington, South (Mr. Carlisle). Certainly I shall bear the matter in mind.
Mr. Robert Parry (Liverpool, Riverside): The Leader of the House will have seen early-day motion 931 about brutality in Hong Kong against civilians and children.
[That this House deplores the action of the Hong Kong Police in using physical violence against civilians in squatter areas, including women and children, the deployment of 40 Blue Berets from the Special Police Tactical Unit and the handcuffing of young children; reminds the Hong Kong Government that its colonial rule is coming to an end; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to ensure that similar tactics will not be used in the future.]
Will he ask the Foreign Secretary to ensure that no similar disgraceful incidents occur during the summer recess, otherwise there may be serious riots in the colony?
Mr. Biffen: I understand that my right hon. and learned Friend is currently consulting the authorities in Hong Kong on this matter. I shall certainly draw his attention to it.
DATR
84
27/7/54 COL. 1235/1241
VOL
64