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Written Answers
18 DECEMBER 1987
Assent, so that they have time to make preparations before assuming full responsibility for the conduct of their institutions. I shall look to a number of sources for suggestions for the independent lay members; other members will be nominated by the bodies identified in the Bill. The director or principal is also to be a member.
It is in the general interest that the transfer is as smooth as possible. Preparations are needed on a contingency basis before the Bill is passed. I am therefore taking steps to establish a small, informal group for each institution to help with identification of possible governors and to offer advice to the institution as it prepares for incorporation. Each group might have about five to six members, plus the director or principal. It would be desirable tõsinclude some members of the existing governing bod We are writing to chairman of the present governing bodies, and to the directors or principals of the institutions concerned
CEIVER seeking their help identifying suble.
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FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS”
Cyprus
PA
Mr. Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from the high commissioner regarding the actions of Greek Cypriot women who recently crossed into the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus to express their opposition to the division still existing in the island of Cyprus; and if he will make a statement.
Mrs. Chalker: The High Commission has sent a full report on the demonstration that took place on 22 and November. We understand that about 150 women, some men, crossed the United Nations' buffer zone and reached the Turkish-Cypriot controlled area of Cyprus where they sat down and spent some hours, before being persuaded to return voluntarily by members of the United Nations' Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
Member's Correspondence
Mr. Gareth Wardell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now reply to the letter sent to him on 5 October by the hon. Member for Gower, regarding problems relating to a constituent residing in Langland, Swansea.
Mr. Eggar: A reply was despatched on 13 November. A copy will be sent to the hon. Member.
Middle East
Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Israeli Government about the implications for the peace process in the middle east and observance of human rights of the recent disturbances on the West Bank and in Gaza, and the temporary closure of Bethlehem university; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Mellor: We take every appropriate opportunity to stress to the Israelis the importance of respecting human
rights in the occupied territories. DATE ..18/12
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Food (Radiation)
Dr. David Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent European Community agreement on radiation levels in food in an emergency.
Mrs. Chalker: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, West (Mr. Spicer) on 16 December, at column 575.
Hong Kong
Mr. Parry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to receive all members of representive delegations from Hong Kong on future visits; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Eggar: The reception of a delegation by ministerial colleagues is a matter for consideration on a case by case basis in the light of the composition of the delegation and its purpose.
Mr. Parry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the Hong Kong Government concerning direct elections in 1988; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the principle of direct elections in Hong Kong commencing in 1988;
(3) if he will make a statement on the progress of political reform in Hong Kong.
Mr. Eggar: Development in representative government in Hong Kong, including the question of the possible introduction of direct elections to the Legislative Council, is at present under review by the Hong Kong Government on the basis of an extensive survey of local opinion. The outcome of the review will be recorded in a Hong Kong Government White Paper following consultation between ourselves and the Hong Kong Government.
Mr. Parry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will meet a delegation from Hong Kong in 1988 to discuss direct elections and political reform; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement on the results of recent opinion polls conducted in Hong Kong on the Sino-British agreement to return Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty.
Mr. Eggar: A recent opinion poll in Hong Kong on attitudes to the joint declaration recorded that 28 per cent. of respondents considered it very good or quite good for the people of Hong Kong, while 45 per cent. considered it good in some ways and not so good in others.
Uranium (Pakistan)
Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign he and Commonwealth Affairs what information possesses on the capability of Pakistan to produce weapons-grade enriched uranium at Golra.
Mr. Mellor: We have seen a press report on this subject and remain concerned at claims that Pakistan can produce weapons-grade enriched uranium at any site in Pakistan. However, we lack the evidence to be able to confirm or deny such reports. The Government of Pakistan have repeatedly assured us that their nuclear programme is purely for peaceful purposes. We have consistently urged Pakistan in turn to sign the NPT.
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