T
CONFIDENTIAL
DRAFT SPEECH BY LADY YOUNG TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS ON 10
DECEMBER 1984
HONG KONG AGREEMENT
1. My Lords, I beg to move the motion which stands in my
name on the Order Paper.
2. I do not need to remind the House of the historic
importance of the draft agreement on the future of Hong Kong.
We are providing for the future of the 5 million people of the territory, and one of the world's largest financial
centres into the middle of the 21st century. It sets out unique arrangements to deal with a unique problem bequeathed to us by history. It is right that we should today have an opportunity to debate it in full. I confess that I am a little daunted by the presence in the Chamber of so many
noble Lords who know the territory so well, including one
ex-Governor. But I think that it will ensure that we have a
very thorough and well-informed debate.
CONFIDENTIAL