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PS/Lord Glenarthur
From: RJT McLaren
Date:
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Cc:
HONG KONG: POSSIBLE HOUSE OF LORDS' DEBATE
14 January 1987
PS
PS/Mr Eggar PS/PUS
Mr Gillmore o.r. Mr Hum, HKD
1. I had some conversation with Lord Maclehose and Lord Bessborough at a reception given by the Chinese Ambassador on 13 January The two peers had been discussing the possibility of a Lords' Debate on Hong Kong to follow up the Commons' Debate now fixed for 20 January. Lord Maclehose thought the best timing might be after the publication of the Hong Kong Government $ white paper on representative government and, perhaps, after the publication of the first complete draft of the Basic Law by the Chinese. He asked for my views. I said that it was at present envisaged that the white paper would be published around 10 February. first draft of the Basic Law would not appear until
The time in April. Speaking personally, I saw some advantage
some
in a Lords starred question or debate fairly soo after
Debate
was taking place before the white paper, and hence at a time when the Government would be unable to present the complete picture. But Lord Maclehose might wish to have a word with Lord Glenarthur.
2.
Lord Maclehose and Lord Bessborough then had some discussion about the possible timing of a starred question. They appeared to think that a Wednesday was best and that this might indicate 17 February at the earliest.
REW
RJT McLaren
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