XN000022-1995-07-05 — Page 6

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Question: What about the ... of CT9? When will it be resolved?

Governor: As far as we are concerned, its not a knot that we have tied. But the sooner it can be solved the better because we need to develop our port in order to ensure that our economy can go on expanding. It's one of a number of issues that I'd like to see resolved sooner rather than later.

Question: Do you have any proposals to solve the CT9 problem?

Governor: We've got a perfectly sensible proposal on the table but obviously we keep the question of the development of the port under regular review.

Question: ... on the election?

Governor: I gave one this morning. Do you want another? Mr Major doesn't need support from Hong Kong in ensuring that he gets the support that he deserves. But to answer your question, I'm pleased about the result. Mr Major's made rather a habit over the years of confounding his critics and handsomely winning contests which many have predicted he wouldn't be able to win. I think it's good news for Hong Kong because it will ensure that people can get back to the business of government rather then being distracted by this sort of thing. I hope it will ensure that the government is as effective and authoritative as possible and up to the next election and then the voters of the United Kingdom will have to decide about the next few years. So I think it's good news for Hong Kong and good news for Britain.

Question: Did you canvass for him?

Governor: No.

Question: Did you ring MPs...

Governor: I have spoken to one or two of my friends in the United Kingdom over the last week but then I have over every weeks since 1992. One of the advantages of telephone is that you can go on keeping in touch with people you know. But Mr Major didn't require a canvasser in Hong Kong, nor would I have thought it an appropriate role for the Governor of Hong Kong. So the suggestion's to the contrary. I'm happy to knock over the sight screen as Mr Major might say.

Question: Did you suggest to your friends that they should vote for Mr Major?

Governor: My friends aren't that sort of people who would need anybody to suggest that to them because they would know what's the sensible thing to do.