XN000022-1996-01-08 — Page 8

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And, Foreign Secretary, earlier this afternoon when you spoke to the two chambers of commerce, you said that during your six months as Foreign Secretary it only increased your admiration for the courage and the clarity of vision with which Governor Patten has led this community. Well, Governor Patten is solidly behind us! Is nationality a blind-spot of the Governor? Or you think the Governor has been very seriously misguided? And also, Foreign Secretary, finally, you said in your speech you will discharge Britain's responsibilities towards Hong Kong fully and honourably. How can you do that if you abandon Britain's citizens to Chinese communist rule? No independence. No self-rule. No autonomy. No guarantee for participation in the political affairs, for the rule of law, for human rights. How can you do it Foreign Secretary?

Mr Rifkind: First of all, may I say that just as you yourself indicated that there are issues on which everyone agrees in Hong Kong and issues on which you disagree, so too there can be such differences of view that can also exist in the United Kingdom. This is not a phenomenon peculiar to Hong Kong. Can I also say that I thank you for your initial comments. I read your article this morning in the newspaper, in the South China Morning Post, a very interesting, a very provocative article and I'm sure it represents very real, genuine feeling on the range of issues that you commented on.

Can I come to the particular point that you have raised. It is a sensitive issue. As you and other colleagues will be aware, it was an issue fully debated in the British Parliament some years ago. The policy that was adopted, referring to the 50,000 heads of household, was not just the policy of the government party. As you're aware, the main opposition party shared that view. There is an overwhelming majority, I have to say, in the House of Commons, combining both Conservative and Labour members, that have supported the policy that your question refers to and I do not see that opinion having changed. I do not see any movement of opinion on either side of the House of Commons that would be likely to lead to a different conclusion. And this was an issue, I know, which was looked at very, very carefully. I want to be frank with you. I do not see the basis on which that policy is going to be reopened. There is no pressure in the House of Commons from either government or opposition parties to do so, and therefore I do not believe it is going to happen.

Ms Emily Lau: Chairman, my question is not on the British Nationality Selection Scheme. I'm sorry, Foreign Secretary, you are wrong. I am talking about full British citizenship for the three-and-a-half million Hong Kong citizens.

Mr Rifkind: Yes, that is what I am talking about.