their commitment to the Joint Declaration and we must
make it work. Central to that is the extent and pace of democratisation in Hong Kong before 1997. This is a
subject of intense concern and debate in Hong Kong and of discussions with the Chinese Government. Those
discussions are continuing and I shall not go into detail today. Our goal is to set in place a system starting with elections to the Legislative Council in 1997 which
will satisfy Hong Kong's aspiration for democracy and which will endure after 1997. I hope, after further
discussion, to be able to announce a decision within the
next few weeks.
Mr Speaker, Hong Kong is the economic success story of a
region which boasts several economic miracles.
As you
look across the border into China you see that the economic success has spread to the neighbouring province
of the mainland. China is Hong Kong's largest trading partner. Hong Kong is also one of Britain's biggest markets in the region.
All that could continue after 1997 or it could be lost.
The future of 5 million people is at stake. Their future
after 1997 depends on three things: first that the talent
and energy of Hong Kong's own people. They are not in
doubt. Second, the attitude of the Chinese Government. There is much more which they need to do to reassure Hong Kong. But dialogue has been re-established and we shall
do our part to sustain it. Thirdly, Hong Kong's future success depends on Britain the responsible power.
After last June, this House rightly voiced its support
That has to mean more than words. The
for Hong Kong.
people of Hong Kong are realists. They accept reluctantly
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that we cannot give passports to all. But