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Mr Rifkind: Well, I unreservedly agree with you. I very much regret that during the meeting in London there was some ambiguity as a result of both what was said and what was not said. The remarks of Qian Qichen were actually made at the very end of a press conference and there wasn't an opportunity to comment on them at that time and I much regret that. But that point has already been clarified. I have since in two or three speeches both in the United Kingdom and here in Hong Kong and in contacts with the Chinese Ambassador in London, made clear our view, which has always been our view, that we believe and it would be astonishing if it wasn't our view given the very strong measures that we have taken which have led to the establishment of a properly elected LegCo. I will not wait for the matter to be raised in Peking. I shall certainly indicate our view, which is the view I assume of those in this council, that we believe that LegCo having been properly elected, it is entirely appropriate that it should continue for its full term of office, that is not only in the interests of the people of Hong Kong, but I believe it would be in the interests of China as well because it would symbolise and demonstrate in a clear and unequivocal way the continuity that is sought by all who have Hong Kong's best interests at heart.

Ms Christine Loh: Yes, Foreign Secretary, the point was clarified in London but the opportunity I think was missed. But this unwavering determination, I mean what can the British Government do? Is there anything that the British Government can do or are you just going to standby in 1997, and see us liquidated?

Mr Rifkind: Well, I'm not quite clear what your suggestion is, as to the kind of action that you think would be most likely to produce the desired result. We have made our views very clear, we will continue to make our views very clear. If you have a specific proposal that you think would enhance the prospects of that policy indeed being accepted, then I am very willing to hear it.

Mr David Li: Sir, will you advise us regarding the progress of the agreement reached between you and the Chinese Foreign Minister in October, in London - what progress you have made?