BEEAHH
Direct elections
PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME
LINE TO TAKE ON HONG KONG
сле
(34)
We remain fully committed to the further development of representative government in Hong Kong. Know from yesterday's debate that there is general agreement that direct elections should be introduced in Hong Kong well before 1997. But there is a division of opinion about precise timing of their introduction.
Decisions on these issues will be announced in a Hong Kong Government White Paper in February. It will take account of all relevant factors, including the views of Hong Kong people and hon. Members. We have noted the widespread view that the White Paper should include a clear statement on when direct elections should be
introduced.
Vietnamese refugees
Well aware of concern felt, both in Hong Kong and in the House, about this problem. We are doing all we can to relieve Hong Kong of
this burden.
MACB. 011/1