1333
Hong Kong Police
17 APRIL 1969
Kong Police and the Royal Auxiliary Police Forces?.
The Prime Minister: I thank the hon. and gallant Gentleman. It was a happy coincidence that he should put this Ques- tion down at just about the time when the Government reached a decision to make their recommendation to Her Majesty The Queen, after the hon. and gallant Gentleman has pressed this matter for a considerable time. I am most grate- ful to him for raising it and for the initiative that he has taken.
I will not spoil the occasion by giving a list of the other Royal police forces- there are one or two in the Caribbean. I will join with him in welcoming what has been done and regarding it, as I know he does, as a tribute to the very great spirit, vigour and courage shown by the now Royal Hong Kong Police Force in the very severe difficulties that they have had to face in recent years.
Mr. Rankin: In reaching the decision which the Prime Minister has announced, did he keep before him the fact that Hong Kong as a State stands for every- thing that we in this country reject? There is no such thing as popular repre- sentation in Hong Kong-
Hon. Members: Nor is there here.
Mr. Rankin :- -and that system is loyally backed up by the Hong Kong Police Force. Is he aware that in those circumstances it seems anomalous that it
Business of the House
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Mr. Royle: Is the Prime Minister aware that the House agrees with what the Prime Minister has said and totally rejects the comments made by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin). The appointment of an im- mensely popular Princess will be widely accepted and well received in Hong Kong. There is a great need in Hong Kong for further political support from Her Maj- esty's Government. Will the Prime Mini- ster do all he can-
Mr. Speaker: Order. This is a Question about honours paid to the police force, and the hon. Gentleman must not go wider than that. Mr. Heath, business questions.
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
Heath: Will the Leader of the House kindly give us the business for next week?
The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Fred Peart): The business for next week will be as follows:
Monday, AST APRIL-Conclusion of the general debate on the Budget Resolu tions and the economic situation.
Remaining stages of the Army Reserve
Bill.
Second Reading of the Customs Duties should have had conferred upon it the (Dumping and Subsidies) Bill (Lords) title "Royal"?
which is a Consolidation Measure.
The Prime Minister: I am sorry about my hon. Friend's lack of enthusiasm in this matter, and I would not accept his account of the position in Hong Kong or of the police.
It certainly was not the impression which I formed on my two brief visits there. No doubt my hon. Friend formed his own view. Of course, it is a colonial territory. It is a colonial territory living under continuous pressure, not only from Communist China, but also from infiltration from some extremely strange gentlemen from Taiwan who are the cause of a great deal of unsettlement and insecurity there. It is in this situa- tion of almost double threat and double provocation that I think the Hong Kong police force has discharged its duties with singular integrity...
20 L 25
TUESDAY, 22ND APRIL-There will be a debate on Welsh affairs, which will arise on a Motion to take note of the
Report on Wales, Command No. 3930.
Motion on the Family Allowances (Qualifications) Regulations, 1969.
WEDNESDAY, 23RD APRIL-Supply [17th Allotted Day]: There will be a debate on the situation in Anguilla, which will arise on an Opposition Motion.
Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Bill Remaining stages of the Customs
[Lords].
At Seven o'clock opposed Private Busi- ness has been put down by the Chairman of Ways and Means for consideration.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.