:
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST DRAFT
(see PINK)
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE, 9 JANUARY: BRIEF FOR LADY YOUNG
HONG KONG BILL
POINTS TO MAKE
W 2
Purpose of Bill
Purpose of Bill is to implement
to implement Hong Kong agreement signed by
Prime Minister in Peking on 19 December 1984.
1.
Content of Bil1
2.
Summarised in paragraphs 2-3 of Memorandum. Provides for termination of sovereignty and jurisdiction in relation to Hong Kong
from 1 July 1997. Schedule contains:
3.
i) enabling clause on nationality;
ii)
iii)
enabling clause on modification of UK enactments (largely
a technical matter);
clause on diplomatic privileges and immunities for
Chinese members of the Joint Liaison Group.
Nationality provisions not essential for ratification. (Nor
are provisions on modification of UK enactments, although these are
less likely to be contentious.) In extreme circumstances could be
dropped from Bill to permit more rapid passage.
Timing
4.
Hought выс
mit
un whaty
Under pressure from Chinese in negotiations, and with agreement of Lord Privy Seal and Lord President, agreed that ratification should take place by 30 June 1985. Paragraph 8 of Joint Declaration
commits Us to this. Hence urgency in putting Bill through all its
stages.
Parliamentary history
5.
on 5
House of Commons had full opportunity to debate agreement
December and House of Lords on 10 December. Signature approved
without division, although some reservations expressed on matters of
detail. Main thrust of Bill should therefore not be controversial.
CONFIDENTIAL