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Hong Kong: Democracy After 1997
[29 JANUARY 1992]
with members of EXCO and LEGCO, making sure that the needs and views of Hong Kong people are fully understood.
In summary, the short answer to the Question of the noble Lord, Lord Wyatt, is: within the parameters in which we work, yes, and so are the Hong Kong Government.
Lord Wyatt of Weeford: My Lords, before he concludes, would the noble Earl care to reconsider the strange statement that there is no government party in LEGCO, in view of the fact that the Government appoint the largest single group of Members plus the Attorney-General, the Financial Secretary and the Chief Executive. To say that there is no government party is mad. Are they appointed to vote against the Government? Does the noble Earl expect them to vote against the Government? Of course he does not.
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The Earl of Caithness: My Lords, the Chief Secretary is part of the administration of Hong Kong. I fear that the noble Lord has not got his facts quite right on this occasion.
Moreover, the prospects are good, a fact which emerged loud and clear from the very successful conference organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in London last week. We have entered into agreements with China that are binding and which all sides have reconfirmed their commit- ment to honour. With its buoyant economy, its dynamic people and its prime location at the centre of one of the fastest growing regions on earth, Hong Kong can look forward with confidence to the future. House adjourned at twenty minutes before 10 o'clock.
713 LD25/55 Job 8-10