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Q5.
Will you be looking particularly closely at the possible
introduction of some measure of direct election to LegCo, since the
public consultation period following the Green Paper in May is now
coming to an end?
A5.
Will wish to hear what people in Hong Kong have to say
about current review of developments in representative government. No question of decisions being taken on outcome of review at this
stage.
Q6.
What is your reading of various pronouncements by Peking
spokesmen on the desirability or otherwise of a process of direct
elections?
A6.
Not appropriate for me to comment on reports of statements
by Chinese officials. Our position remains clear: that the current
review of developments in representative government is a genuine
review on whose outcome we have no preconceived views.
Q7.
With Peking due to publish its basic law for the Hong Kong of post-1997 next year, how would you reply to those in Hong Kong
who believe that Peking's wishes are regarded by the British
Government as of paramount importance?
A7.
Under the Joint Declaration, we remain responsible for the
administration of Hong Kong until 30 June 1997 and the Chinese
Government has pledged to co-operate in this. We take this
responsibility seriously. The Basic Law will of course set out the
details of the basic policies of the Chinese Government towards the
Hong Kong SAR which are laid down in the Joint Declaration. Once
the final version of the Basic law has been published in 1990, we
shall obviously have to take this into account as we approach 1997.
Both we and the Chinese Government are bound by the terms of the
Joint Declaration to cooperate in ensuring a smooth transfer in
1997.
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