CONFIDENTIAL

implementation of the agreement, particularly in the Joint Liaison Group. We will continue to consult the people of

Hong Kong through the existing channels.

I also fully recognise the

accountability to

importance

Parliament. My

Friend has already advised against

of continuing

rt hon and learned

an institutionalised

annual debate On Hon Kong, ог a debate on an annual

report from the Joint Liaison Group,

proposed.

I share

reluctant to come to the House

-

as some members

his doubts, not because we

have

are

far from it: the House

treatment of the Government

has been very generous in its

on this subject but because I do not think it would

adequately serve the intended purpose.

I can however

reaffirm the Government's intention to ensure that Hong

Kong is regularly debated in this House, and to see that

all important developments are brought to the attention of

the House.

Returning to the Bill, its purpose is, as my rt hon Friend

said, to give the Government the necessary legislative

authority for the agreement to be ratified. A stipulated

in the agreement, this needs to be done by 30 June 1985,

questions on procedure,

relatively uncontentious.

It is short Bill and I hope a straightforward one.

today's debate

debate I think demonstrates, while there are s ome

the subject matter of the Bill is

As

CONFIDENTIAL

Share This Page