CONFIDENTIAL

evidence that MPs are dissatisfied with the status quo.

9. My preference, however, would be to go for a revised format. This would continue to meet the undertaking made in

1985 to give Parliament an annual opportunity to focus on

Hong Kong. But we would aim to meet some of the objections to the exercise as currently conducted by making the Report

shorter and less turgid. In view of the Governor's

reservations about option (ii), the best solution seems to

be something along the lines of option (iii).

Annual Debate

10.

The Governor also moots the possibility of an annual debate as an alternative to a Report. I am not enthusiastic

about this idea: an annual debate for the sake of it could

fall pretty flat, or alternatively throw up issues in ways that would go down badly in Hong Kong. Neither outcome would serve the purpose of boosting confidence in Hong Kong

as to HMG's commitment to the territory. In any case, Hong Kong will be debated from time to time, as the situation

requires. I therefore recommend that the idea of an annual debate should not be pursued.

ARPan

A R Paul

I aque w to judge whether Mis would prefer

with this submission. It is essentially for Minister

or he content with- a shorter, more pitty report. I should welcome any easing of the принимала нелупалы pressure and very hand-washed department. Like 7. Milanen whom I have commulled, I see no advantage in an annual to debate for the sake of it. A dand

дальше тави Алийчили

BUGADM/4

/over

CONFIDENTIAL

2615

Share This Page