It is disappointing that, despite all our efforts, the Chinese
side were still not able to agree by 12 March that talks
should get underway promptly. As we had forewarned them, the
Governor therefore published his proposals that day.
A copy
has been placed in the Library of the House.
Publication in the Official Gazette is only the first step in
Introduction of the Bill into the
the legislative process.
Legislative Council would be a separate step. As the Governor
has said, we will have to judge, in the light of subsequent
developments, when to take that step. Thereafter, I am sure
that members of the Legislative Council would want to discuss
the draft legislation in great detail, in the light of the
various alternatives put forward.
There is no reason why publication of the legislation should
make it more difficult to begin talks with China. The Bill
sets out the Governor's proposals, which have been public
since October, in legislative form. This does not affect the
basis for talks with China, the need for such talks or our
sincere wish to hold them. We have said that if we reached an
understanding with the Chinese side we would recommend this to
the Legislative Council.
sosstatement15.3No1