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discussions with local people. I understand that they were notably accessible, and that they listened most carefully to the views put
to them. A further delegation will come to Hong Kong in September.
15.
And the people of Hong Kong are making their views known clearly and articulately. We for our part are monitoring very closely the public debate in Hong Kong. We are paying careful attention to the points of particular concern which are emerging.
We are continuing our own detailed examination of the text. I can
assure the House that where we conclude tht aspects of the text may
not be consistent with the Joint Declaration, we are not hesitating
to bring these to the attention of the Chinese Government.
a
And
16. There have already been extensive confidential exchanges
between the two sides over the Basic Law. These will continue. we also stand ready to act where appropriate as a channel for views and concerns expressed by bodies and individuals in Hong Kong and
this country. We have formally conveyed to the Chinese Government
the Hansard record of the Debate held in another place on 10 June.
And we shall do the same after today's Debate.
17. As I indicated earlier, the consultation process is still in an
initial phase. The draft is not yet complete. In some areas
options remain to be narrowed down. This is not the time for
the Government to make a definitive appraisal of the draft.
But in Hong Kong some broad areas of concern are clearly emerging;
we have no doubt that the drafters will take these carefully into
account in the next phase of their work.
18. For example:
Much attention has been focussed on whether the Basic Law will
enable the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to enjoy the high
degree of autonomy provided for in the Joint Declaration. We attach
great importance to ensuring that the Basic Law accurately
reflects the Joint Declaration in this respect. But equally it
must be recognised that a high degree of autonomy is not to be
equated with independence. Sovereignty over Hong Kong will
of course rest with China. It will require the most careful
judgment to get the balance right.
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