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13.
Parliament and the Basic Law
It is correct that some Chinese spokesmen initially expressed reservations about debates on the Basic Law in Parliament. But subsequently the Chinese Foreign Minister stated that if Parliament decided on a debate that was our affair. I believe the Chinese
Government now understand Parliament's direct interest in the Basic Law, deriving from the authority given by Parliament to Her Majesty's Government to sign the Joint Declaration.
14. Eligibility of Hong Kong people with foreign passports for certain political and civil service posts?
I am aware of the concerns expressed about this issue in Hong Kong. It is a complex question which depends on interpretation of Chinese nationality law. I know that the Chinese authorities are fully seized of the problem. I am sure they will be studying it carefully with a view to meeting the concerns felt by Hong Kong
people.
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