- 2 -
preparations to go. Figures obtained from the Australian Commission, and the Canadian Commission show that the number of Hong Kong emigrants in 1985 (the year after the signing of the Joint Declaration) dropped a little but rose substantially in 1986 and quite dramatically in 1987. These increases in emigration figures are confirmed by the number of applications for Certificates of No Criminal Conviction obtained from the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. These statistics are set out in Annex 2.
We believe that the loss of confidence on the part of Hong Kong people is due to the actions of both the British and the Chinese Governments. We will summarize the failings of both governments under separate headings.
Breach of promises on the part of the British Government
(a)
Promises made
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
legislature of Hong Kong
Region shall inhabitants...
be
The
"The government and Special Administrative comprised of local legislature
of
the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be constituted by elections.
The executive authorities shall abide by the law and shall be accountable to the
legislature."
Sino-British
Joint
Declaration
"During the years immediately ahead, the government of Hong Kong will be developed on increasingly
representative
lines."
Sir
Geoffrey Howe, Foreign Secretary 20th April,
1984 in Hong Kong
Both my hon. Friends referred to the question of accountability. One important way in which we can contribute to the ability of the Hong Kong people to strengthen their autonomy and their confidence is through the evolution of representative institutions. Steady progress has already been made on this front in recent years.
An elected element
first introduced into administration at the district level in 1982. Only last week plans to strengthen further the elective local government were announced in Hong Kong. This will be followed by a Green Paper this summer making proposals to develop the
Government
institutions
was
content of
representative status of the two ma in central the Executive All that confidence,
Council and the Legislative Council.
will
help
to
self-confidence and
strengthen
the autonomy of
the
people." Richard Luce, Minister of State with special responsibility for Hong Kong, 25th May, 1984 in the House of Commons