ARYABO
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DEBATE ON HONG KONG: OPENING STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE
1. Today's Debate is important for two reasons. First because
our subject is Hong Kong. The territory ranks high among Her Majesty's Government's priorities, and our responsibilities towards
it are very special ones. Second, because our Debate is taking place at a particularly important time for Hong Kong. Its people
are engaged in a vigorous debate on the draft Basic Law, a document
which will play a crucial role in shaping the territory's future.
2. We give great weight to our responsibilities towards Hong Kong
and its people. We are committed to the maintenance there of a
system and a way of life that have been remarkably successful. As
co-signatories of the Joint Declaration, we are under an important
and continuing obligation to ensure that the principles it embodies
are put into effect.
3. That is why it is right that we should be discussing the draft Basic Law today. For while the drafting of the Basic Law is of
course a matter for the Chinese Government, the outcome of this
process is of paramount importance to Hong Kong. And it is the duty
of Her Majesty's Government to satisfy ourselves that the provisions
of the Basic Law implement the intentions of the Joint Declaration
fully and accurately.
I know that the House fully shares these sentiments.
4.
Members
of this House have consistently demonstrated their interest in Hong
Kong and their concern for its future. They follow developments there very closely. Already this year this House has debated Hong
Kong on three occasions. The territory was also the subject of a
debate in another place on 10 June.
This sustained level of interest is very welcome to the
Government.
5.
It is also a source of reassurance and encouragement to
the people of Hong Kong. As I discovered during my recent visit to
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