COZACG
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HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE: 10 JUNE
OPENING STATEMENT BY LORD GLENARTHUR
1.
I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Cledwyn, for giving this House a further opportunity to discuss developments in Hong Kong. Our responsibility for Hong Kong and its future is a matter of high priority for Her Majesty's Government.
2.
We welcome the close interest in the territory taken by many members of this House. I know that a number have only recently returned from visits to Hong Kong, and look forward with particular interest to their contributions to this debate.
3.
The motion draws attention to recent developments relating to the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong. In my speech I intend to refer to three
aspects:
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first, progress in the work of the Sino-British Joint Liaison
Group;
second, the development of representative government. This is directly related to our responsibilities under the Joint Declaration to work for a smooth transfer of government in 1997;
third, the publication by the Government of China of the draft Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region of China. This flows from their responsibilities under the provisions of the Joint Declaration.
4.
The work of the Joint Liaison Group is proceeding steadily and smoothly. [Its last meeting, the ninth, was held in Hong Kong in March: the next will take place in London in September.] In the three years of its existence it has achieved a great deal. Much of its subject matter is undramatic, technical, even dry. But all of it is important in giving substance to Hong Kong's future and certainty to Hong Kong people.
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