XN000022-1996-05-22 — Page 44

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Reply:

Mr President,

At present, we have yet to know when a provisional legislature will be established, or when and how such a body will begin operation. Nor would we wish to speculate at present. In the absence of the necessary and precise information, it would be difficult to provide a direct answer to Mr Tsang's question. But I should like to make four general remarks regarding the question.

First, the corporate position of the British Government and the Hong Kong Government on the question of a provisional legislature is clear, consistent, and well known to this Council as well as the community. Both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have reaffirmed our position in their recent meetings with Chinese leaders. And we will continue to reaffirm our position if the need arises.

Secondly, until British sovereignty ends on 1 July 1997, the only constitutional legislature in Hong Kong is the current Legislative Council, elected openly and fairly The by a record number of voters, and with a clear and legitimate mandate. Government's commitment is to continue to work with the present Legislative Council.

Thirdly, and following from the above, we have made clear to the Chinese side that we will not provide any assistance to a provisional legislature. However, we have stated clearly that we shall co-operate with the Preparatory Committee and, in due course, the Chief Executive (Designate) in other areas where there are identified common ground.

Fourthly, the Joint Declaration provides that Britain shall continue to be responsible for administering Hong Kong until 30 June 1997, and that China will co- operate in this regard. Chinese leaders have reaffirmed on various occasions that they will abide by the Joint Declaration. During his recent meeting with the Foreign Secretary at The Hague, Vice Premier Qian Qichen said that until 30 June 1997 the Governor, the Privy Council and the current Legislative Council would alone exercise

power.

End