+
25
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President: I don't think I allow that within the terms of Standing Order 20.
Mr K K Fung: Mr President, I would like to ask the Chief Secretary this. She said she met Director Lu and Vice-Premier Qian and then they talked about the Preparatory Committee and possible future co-operation with that committee. Can you tell us whether you mentioned if civil servants are allowed to join the Preparatory Committee and what is the mode of co-operation?
Chief Secretary: Mr President, both sides agreed on the need for co-operation with the Preparatory Committee. As to the specific form of co-operation, these are of course matters which will have to be discussed in detail at a later stage through the proper forum.
Mr Fred Li (through interpreter): Mr President, of course we welcome the fact that the Chief Secretary has communication with Chinese officials. But I would like to ask Mrs Anson Chan this: before she went to Beijing, if she had informed the people of Hong Kong there would be such a visit would it be better that she gave only an explanation afterwards?
President: That doesn't really arise under Standing Order 20. Any more questions? Miss Emily Lau again?
Miss Emily Lau (through interpreter): Mr President, I would like to ask the Chief Secretary with regard to this secret visit. Did you raise it or did the Chinese side made that a condition before you would be allowed to go on the visit?
President: I won't allow that under Standing Order 20. Any more questions? Yes, Mr Eric Lee.
Eric Lee (through interpreter): Mr President. the Chief Secretary said, it might have been better if she had told the people earlier. But then she said in future there would be frequent contacts with the Chinese side. Have you discussed with Director Lu how you would conduct these future contacts?
Chief Secretary: Mr President, we do not discuss in detail the form that such regular contacts might take. But it was agreed by both sides that senior officials, particularly at policy secretary level, when they visit Beijing as part of the Sponsor Visitors Programme or indeed on other duties that they should make a point of calling on Mr Lu Ping and his deputies.
End/Wednesday, July 12, 1995