FROM
6. 5.1992 11:40
P. 5
But I heard the Prime Minister, when I was in London, mention
Hong Kong during a speech ...?]
Yes, well Hong Kong is clearly at the top of the Prime Minister's
priorities, and So, it was at the top of our priorities in
planning the General Election campaign and during the campaign.
It's a very important part of the Government's policy.
[Does the Prime Minister's appointment of Mr Patten and now of
yourself, a key Prime Ministerial aide, indicate that the
Government attaches greater importance to the affairs of Hong
Kong?]
Well,
I worked with the Prime Minister, for the Prime
Minister during the
during the Election campaign. I wouldn't describe
myself as a Prime Ministerial aide over a period of months. But
I did work with him closely during the Election campaign. It's
certainly true to say the Government attaches the highest
priority to the interests of Hong Kong and the close links
between the Governor Designate and the Prime Minister and the
Foreign Secretary will clearly be an important asset
clearly be an important asset over the
years ahead.
[Why did the Prime Minister meet Martin Lee in London recently,
he hasn't met him before?]
Well I think the Prime Minister valued the opportunity to hear
Mr Lee's views and it was sensible for him to meet him.