debate.PR.JRB
DEBATE ON THE MOTION FOR THE SUMMER ADJOURNMENT, 26 JULY
HONG KONG
We will continue to administer Hong Kong justly and efficiently
until 30 June 1997, and to promote the political and economic
development of the territory. We are working to reach an
understanding in our talks with China, so that Hong Kong election arrangements in 1994 and 1995 will be open, fair and
acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.
Background
Hong Kong reverts to Chinese sovereignty on 1 July 1997. The last elections under British administration will take place in 1994 (for local elections) and 1995. We want the Legislative Council elected in 1995 to be able to serve through 1997 for its full 4-year term (the so-called "through train"). To achieve this Chinese agreement, or at least acquiescence, to the 1995 election arrangements is required.
Last October the Governor proposed election arrangements which responded to a clear desire in Hong Kong for greater democracy, while remaining within the terms of the Basic Law (the Chinese constitutional blueprint for post-1997). These proposals were well received in Hong Kong but the Chinese rejected them out of hand.
In April we succeeded in opening talks with China on the 1994/95 election arrangements, with the aim of reaching an understanding. So far 8 rounds have taken place. Progress has been slow but, following the Foreign Secretary's visit to Peking (8-9 July), we hope the pace of the negotiations can be speeded up. Time is not unlimited, because legislation needs to be passed so that arrangements for these elections can be put in place in good time.