ARPAEG
CONFIDENTIAL
PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME: 21 JANUARY
BACKGROUND
1. A debate on Hong Kong took place in the House of Commons on 20
January. The focus was on the introduction of direct elections.
There were some questions on Vietnamese refugees.
On direct elections, all who spoke were in favour in principle
of introducing them. But there were sharply and evenly divided
views on introduction in 1988 or later.
2.
3. On Vietnamese refugees some concern was expressed at our policy objective of repatriation, although we have made it clear we would
need satisfactory safeguards concerning treatment on return to Vietnam, and would not repatriate those already in Hong Kong if this policy were implemented.
4. We have reached a private understanding with China on the basis for handling direct elections. We shall announce our intention to introduce them in 1991: for their part the Chinese will put into the Basic Law provision for a directly elected element in the legislature after 1997. A smooth transition will thus be secured. The decision will be announced in Hong Kong Government White Paper
in early February.
5.
Press and Parliamentary interest was aroused by visits to London last December and this week of Mr Martin Lee.
He argues skilfully for the introduction of direct elections to LegCo in 1988. In an effort to counterbalance Mr Lee, Miss Lydia Dunn, the Senior Unofficial LegCo member and ExCo member, was also in London this
She had meetings with backbenchers and the media.
week.
CONFIDENTIAL