We have had a full discussion of these matters.
directly concern
For the most
Bill.
It is
do not
Government has the concerns
in
they part,
the
not therefore necessary to go over this
ground again in today's debate. But I can as sure the
House that the
raised
this House and in Hong Kong firmly in
in view. We shall
continue to bear them in mind in our future discussions
with the Chinese, particularly in the Joint Liaison
Group.
A number of hon Members suggested during the debate that the Government should make an annual report on Hong
Kong to the House and that there should be
there should be a debate on
it. I
fully and
I entirely accept that the House will wish to be
informed about developments in Hong Kong
speedily when they occur.
take
I as sure hon Members that the Government will
to report to the House whenever there is anything significant
care
part.
There
is
doubt frankly
to
But
report.
I
no
on reluctance
our
an
the
annual report and
value
debate.
of
It
institutionalising
could well have the unintended effect that important
developments were not properly debated as and when they
occurred. This is not what we want.
hon Friend
Since our last debate my rt
the Prime
Minister and I have, as I have said, visited Peking for the signature of the agreement and we were able to raise with Chinese leaders a number of the questions that we re touched on in that debate The House will not expect me
into details
to
go
of
our
discussions,
but
Chinese
level gave us solemn assurances
of China's commitment to full implementation of the
leaders at the highest
agreement
and of their
intention
to consult Hong Kong
opinion
the on
drafting of the
Law Bas ic
on a
wide
basis.