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Governor's question-and-answer session in LegCo
Following is a transcript of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's question-and-answer session in the Legislative Council today (Thursday):
Mr Albert Ho (in Chinese): I have a question that is very current, it's not within the four topics, and that is the freedom of entry into China. I'm sure the Governor would be willing to answer the question.
The President: It is in order.
Mr Albert Ho (in Chinese): Thank you. Mr governor, I'm sure you are aware of the fact that a number of legislative councillors, together with representatives of local organisations, attempted to go back to China to express their views in a peaceful manner. But, unfortunately they were denied entry at the airport and their home return permits were confiscated.
Now with the coming of 1997, there is increasing contact between China and Hong Kong. There are a lot of people who work in China and they also invest in China. They get married and raise a family in China. And so there are people who are going back to China and coming back to Hong Kong every day. So if the Chinese Government can arbitrarily make use of the regulations and deny entry to Hong Kong people and even confiscate their home return permits, a lot of worry will be with us.
So my question for the governor is this; what can the Hong Kong Government do on our behalf? For instance, clarifying with the Chinese authorities their policies in relation to entering China. Now China in fact is our country and how can we have freedom of entry to China and protect our rights?
Governor: First of all I can assure the honourable member that the question does come under those subjects which are suggested for today. I think it comes under safety at work!
The President: For people with a disability though!
Governor: I think that would get me into trouble with the Equal Opportunities Commission if I was to say anything like that.