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Mr Rifkind: The War Widows have already been informed that they have an absolute right of abode in the United Kingdom. I understand that each of them received a personal letter from the Home Secretary indicating this situation. I know that there is interest again in the question of citizenship, that would not be possible under Britain's existing nationality law, it would require primary legislation. If they choose to exercise that right of abode and settle in the United Kingdom, then in due course, like any other person who resides in the United Kingdom, they would be able to apply for citizenship in the normal way. So they have total security with regard to their own personal circumstances and that has been very fully explained.

Dr Leong Che-hung: I think that we have to move on and the next topic that we have to discuss with the Foreign Secretary is on United Kingdom and Sino and Hong Kong relationship. I think Ms Christine Loh will start the questions off please.

Ms Christine Loh: Foreign Secretary, I'm glad to have so many times that I can address you today.

You did say today, at I believe a luncheon, to the British Chamber of Commerce that a successful transition means much more than a smooth transition and that you said the objective of a successful transition is served by Britain's unwavering determination to do whatever we believe to be in the best interests of Hong Kong. And then, rightly, I think you go on to mention that you felt that there's no reason for this particular legislature to be liquidated after 1997. I think this council was quite disappointed with you when Qian Qichen was in London, where he made some comments about the possibility of again liquidating this council, that you seemed to have just stood by and not respond. But in any case, you do have a chance now to go to China. How are you going to demonstrate this unwavering determination? What we don't want is for you to go to China and then, if it is inconvenient to bring the subject up, then you don't bring it up. How do you think you can represent, as you said, you said you

would go to China and you would communicate and to represent the views of Hong Kong and I think the views of Hong Kong is that we do not want to see this legislature replaced by an appointed provisional body?