XN000022-1996-04-18 — Page 3

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We also discussed the position of Vietnamese migrants in Hong Kong. During his meeting in Bangkok with other Asian and European leaders, the Prime Minister had a good meeting with the Prime Minister of Vietnam. As a result of that meeting an official from the Foreign Office went to Vietnam to discuss how we could speed up the repatriation of Vietnamese migrants. That visit was followed by one by Jeremy Hanley which has produced good results. I hope that we will now see an acceleration in the rate of return of Vietnamese migrants.

We discussed a number of other matters as well, including Hong Kong's economy and Britain's continuing relationship with and commitment to Hong Kong after next summer.

I also visited Northern Ireland, where I stressed the attractions of Hong Kong to Northern Ireland investors and vice versa.

In all, a productive visit. I am now happy to take Honourable Members' questions.

End

Governor's question-and-answer session in LegCo

Following is a transcript of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's question-and-answer session the legislative Council today (Thursday):

Dr Leong Che-hung: Thank you Mr President. Mr President I would like to take this opportunity, with your permission of course, to thank the Governor on behalf of the House, and I am sure you yourself will join Members too, Mr President, for his effort in securing a speedy and fair appeal for the two Hong Kong residents, Mr Au Wing- cheung and Mr Wong Chun-ming, who were detained in the Philippines. We all know that they have now been released and have returned to their very relieved families.

May I, Mr President, with your permission, also ask the Governor to convey our gratitude to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary and all those in the British Government who have helped in this particular direction.

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Mr President, many of us in this Council have done much, also, to help to bring this result about and I am sure we are all very happy to see this satisfactory outcome - including, even, the return of some $8,000 to both Mr Au and Mr Wong, and that the rule of law has been maintained.