5
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Governor: Well, I said this morning that we were bringing forward our review of the labour importation scheme. We'll now complete that review by October. I also pointed out that there will be no new quota, no new quota at all, under the labour importation scheme until we've completed that review.
Question: You've just said that there is a problem in reconciling the common law system in the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, would it be a problem that there would be a judicial jurisdiction, a problem of jurisdiction of CFA?
Governor: That's a problem for Chinese officials. It's not one that we have any difficulties with. As far as we are concerned, the Joint Declaration is absolutely clear and the pledges that have been made to the people of Hong Kong are absolutely clear. One of them is that the Common Law should continue to apply in Hong Kong. We want the rule of law in Hong Kong. We think that is an essential element in Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and we hope that point is widely appreciated. And now I'll go and study Director Lu's speech so that if any of you ask me questions tomorrow, and I'm sure you'll have opportunities of asking Director Lu questions as well, and if you ask me questions tomorrow, I'll be able to answer them, having read his speech. I hope his visit continues to be agreeable and I think as a poll shows this morning, people in Hong Kong find it a pity that Director Lu isn't going to see me and isn't going to see the Chief Secretary but let's hope he will next time.
End/Thursday, May 18, 1995
Transcript of the Governor's media session
The following is a transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after meeting employee representatives at Government House today (Thursday):
Governor: The Secretary, the Commissioner and I have had an interesting and useful meeting with employees' representatives about the unemployment situation in Hong Kong and about action we intend to take. I want to repeat that while we don't think there are any reasons for alarm about the recent unwelcome but sharp increase in unemployment, we do think that there are some issues which should concern all of us and we're determined to do everything we can about them while we've got a chance of ensuring that we have as good a labour market in Hong Kong as possible.