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Hong Kong [Mr. Ennals.]
18 DECEMBER 1974
In
We are committed to seeking substan- tial improvements for Hong Kong in the enlarged EEC. Hong Kong already benefits under most of the Community's Generalised Scheme of Preferences. terms of total duty remitted, only Yugo- slavia receives greater benefit thun Hong King. The scheme will be extended in 1975 to cover some Hong Kong footwear, and we intend to press for the extension of the scheme to Hong Kong's textiles in 1976.
Hong Kong will also be negotiating with the Community for the conclusion of a bilateral agreement for the regulation of Hong Kong's textile exports under the GATT Multi-Fibre Textile Arrangement, We intend to use our influence as far as possible towards the achievement of
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Hong Kong greater liberalisation for Hong Kong's textile exports in keeping with the spirit of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement.
In the short time available I have sought to answer most of the questions. I shall look carefully at HANSARD to see whether there are any questions that I have not covered. I feel that the visit of my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State and that of the hon. Gentleman will be much appreciated in Hong Kong, and I am sure the House will be interested in such re- flections as the hon. Gentleman has when he returns from the colony.
Question put and agreed to.
Adjourned accordingly at eight minutes past One o'clock.
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Mr Maxe
Puemale Mär
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Mr_Timmy Duz
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ADJOURNMENT DEBATE:
1.
WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER
Sir Paul Bryan (Conservative, Howden) has tabled the following Motion for the Adjournment on Wednesday 18 December:
"The Situation in Hong Kong"
2. Sir Paul has told me that he intends to make a twenty minute speech about the general economic and political situation in Hong Kong. He will link this to his own and Lord Goronwy-Roberts's planned visits to the Colony in January. As a background paper for his own speech he will be using the Governor of Hong Kong's address to Legislative Council on 16 October.
3. The theme of Sir Paul's speech will be that the performance of Hong Kong has been phenomenal. Without natural resources, other than the skill and energy of the people, they have built up one of the most thriving economies in the Far East. The present world economic situation faces them with substantial problems which they are meeting bravely. Despite increasing budgetary difficulties, the Hong Kong Government have no intention of stopping or slowing
down the new social programme begun in 1972.
16.
Sir Paul will ask the Minister about the present housing and education programmes. He will also mention the "Fight Violent Crime" campaign and the Mutual Aid Committees set up in Hong Kong's neighbourhoods to help the police. He will touch on the question of the death penalty, and suggest that the Chinese view that the penalty should be retained and carried out in Hong Kong should not be lightly dismissed. He will express the hope that Lord Goronwy- Roberts will look into the question during his visit.
CONFIDENTIAL
15.
...
CONFIDENIAL
5.
On the relationship with China, Sir Paul intends to reply to recent critics (such as the authors of "Hong Kong: A Case to Answer") by pointing out that the Chinese Government are satisfied with the present situation. The two-way traffic of trade across the border and China's earnings of foreign exchange through Hong Kong are symbols of an underlying unity of interest.
6.
Sir Paul has been given notice that Mr Philip Goodhart MP
intends to intervene at this moment to ask about the return of illegal immigrants to China. Sir Paul will say that he understands the pressure in Hong Kong to cut down on illegal immigration ich threatens employment and the Governor's social programme.
7.
Sir Paul may also mention the importance of textile exports to Hong Kong and the hope that HMG will do everything possible to secure greater access for Hong Kong's textiles to the EEC.
8.
I attach speaking notes on these points, and on others which may be raised in the course of the debate.
Dest
17 December 1974
Сс
Sir D Watson
Mr Wilford
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
PS
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean D
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.