16.
I am very conscious that it is their future and their livelihood which is at
stake, and that they have a right to know as soon as possible what arrangements
will apply in Hong Kong after 1997. In particular I understand the concerns
-
of the British nationals in Hong Kong the great majority of whom are British
1
་ ་་
Dependent Territories Citizens and their wish to retain that nationality.
t.
I have to say that I do not believe that either this Parliament or a successor
•
I
would favour, changes which stimulated emigration from Hong Kong to the UK or
elsewhere. That is a further reason why we are looking for arrangements which,
while not hindering travel, will provide a secure future for Hong Kong people
in Hong Kong.
!
As regards the timescale, we are aware of the Chinese desire that an announcement about future arrangements for Hong Kong should be made in September. We are working to a programme in the talks which takes account of Chinese wishes
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but also of all our own requirements. The people of Hong Kong will need to know
and Parliament
will wish to take account of those views when they come to debate the agreement
the terms of the agreement and have time to express their views:
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and
185 on al
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