XN000022-1995-09-05 — Page 5

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Minister: The first thing, I am going to advise the Foreign Secretary is to come to Hong Kong. It is a most remarkable place, I've learned a great deal in the last four days and I am still › learning. I've met many people yesterday who gave me excellent advice, from the Chief 54 Secretary and Financial Secretary, many members of the administration. I've also met many from the business community yesterday. Today I've been very pleased to meet members of the district board and with Mrs Lau. We've met a large number of people who've also given their advice. And today in Sha Tin, I've seen for myself what Hong Kong can really achieve in the district boards. It is an inspiration, and I'll be leaving Hong Kong after this particular visit, with renewed confidence that Hong Kong will continue, with renewed belief that Hong Kong is very special and renewed belief that we'll settle the outstanding problems, so that confidence in Hong Kong will continue and the people in Hong Kong will continue as well not only with the high degree of autonomy, but it will remain an inspiration to the rest of the world. It's a marvellous place, it must be preserved.

Question: What is the thing that impressed you most, but not Chinese cooking, I hope?

Minister: Chinese cooking always impresses me as you can see by the size of me. But what has impressed me most is Hong Kong's resilience, its determination to succeed. The changes in ten ... years that I've seen have been staggering. I am certainly that the excitement that is Hong Kong.. will continue. And I will do everything which I can together with the Foreign Secretary and the Governor, to make sure that we preserve Hong Kong's very special nature.

Question: What is at the top of the list of outstanding problems... you referred to outstanding problems, what's on the top of the list?

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Minister: Well, there are a number of outstanding problems and I am very pleased indeed that I have the opportunity to discuss with a number of individuals, those matters. And I am very pleased to discuss them with the Governor and members of the administration here and I've said many local representatives of all shades of opinions and it is not so much that and there is only »ƒ one matter which needs to be addressed more than any other. There are a number of s uncertainties Hong Kong's future, and the people of Hong Kong that deserve those it uncertainties should be resolved. I hope that we can persuade others that it's in not just the interest of the people of Hong Kong, not just in the interest of China or Britain, but of the whole world that Hong Kong should end those uncertainties and that it should continue to flourish.

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Question: Do you expect any breakthrough of CT9 by the end of this year, and will you advise the Government to offer some office space to the Preparatory Committee as a sign of co- operation or improved Sino-British relations?