Supplementary to Question No. 9
in LegCo Meeting on 28.5.86
Mr. CHEONG : Sir, can the Secretary confirm that a) the route
so taken in securing Hong Kong's new status in the GATT is the
most simple and the most effective amongst a number of other
alternatives, and b) by virtue of the most simple and effective
route being adopted, this fully demonstrates the sincerity and
the pragmatic attitudes taken by both signatory Governments of
the Joint Declaration in the process of implementation of the
terms of that important agreement.
Secretary for Trade and Industry : Sir, I have much pleasure
in confirming both points.
Professor POON : Sir, in view of the fact that Hong Kong would
become a full contracting party to the GATT, does it imply that
the Government will be more reluctant to consider reviewing its
non-intervention policy towards industry?
Secretary for Trade and Industry : Sir, the Government's
policies in regard to the GATT have not altered one bit by
virtue of our being deemed to be a contracting party to the
GATT so the question of our attitude to intervention in
industry will likewise be unaffected.