RESTRICTED
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME 1991/92:
HONG KONG (APPEALS) BILL
Point to Make
1.
Defer to views of FLG; still prefer 5th session place.
Otherwise would need guarantee of 1st session place to retain option of establishment in 1992.
Background
2.
latest, to gain experience.
Commitment in Joint Declaration to establish Hong Kong
Court of Final Appeal. Needs to be running by 1933 at
at X
Expectation in Hong Kong of
establishment in 1992.
3.
Important for confidence that HMG do all in its power to ensure smooth transition. Especially true when cooperation with China not going well.
4.
If negotiations with China moved quickly, could find ourselves held up by absence of UK legislation. Look bad in Hong Kong and damage credibility with China.
RESTRICTED
Page 30Page 31
CODE 18-77