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What is your answer to criticisms that Hong Kong has lost its freedom to deal with a purely internal problem simply because Britain has abolished the death sentence and that even though the death penalty is still on the Statute Book, British Ministers will never advise Her Majesty to withhold Her Frerogative of Mercy?
This is a difficult problem. I recognise the strength of local feeling in Hong Kong, but it is not purely a local problem; the constitutional responsibilty of Parliament is also inescapable. The prerogative of mercy is delegated to the Governor, under the Letters Patent and Royal Instructions. (If pressed). The delegation to the Governor does not entirely empty The Queen of Her Prerogative of Mercy. If, after the Governor has considered the case, the condemned person in Hong Kong petitions Her Majesty, it is for the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary to advise Her on the matter. Ministers have been told by the Governor that public opinion in Hong Kong strongly favours the use of the death penalty in extreme cases. Governor in turn is aware of the climate of Parliamentary
opinion in the United Kingdom.
The
THE BRITISH ARMY'S GARRISON IN HONG KONG AND DEFENCE COSTS
10.
When does the liinister think that talks will begin between Hong Kong and Britain on the strength of the Hong Kong Garrison and the level of Hong Kong's defence contribution? And when can a public announcement be expected?
Formal consultations will be taking place shortly between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Hong Kong. The results will be announced as
soon as possible
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