CONFIDENTIAL
(f) JOINT LIAISON GROUP
A number of hon
Members have referred to the Joint Liaison
Group which will be established on the entry into force of the
agreement.
As my rt hon and learned Friend said at the beginning of this
debate,
we
are
on
practicalities
of
working
the
this. Its
establishment is still s ome months off and work remains to be
done. The Government will announce the membership of the Group
and other details in due course.
The Government will approach the Joint Liaison Group in a
positive spirit.
be of the utmost
smooth transition.
Cooperation with the Chinese Government will
importance in the coming years to ensure a
A number of hon
Members have suggested that Hong Kong Unofficials should be represented on the Group. As my rt hon and learned Friend made clear in our last debate on 5 December,
this would not
not be appropriate. The Joint Liaison Group is a
body.
Hong Kong Government Officials will
diplomatic
participate
consultation
on
the on
the
British side, and
be there will
work of the Group with the
full
Executive
Council of Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL