་་་་་-ད
ཀ
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[LORD TREFGARNE.]
Question:
[ LORDS ]
it is. Despite the many problems that it has had to face since the Second World War, it has adapted to ever changing circumstances and has now, through the diligence of its people and the good sense of its Govern- ment, established a strong political, economic and social base on which it can build with confidence.
Hong Kong is also very fortunate in that our commit- ment to the territory is complemented by China's attitude to it. Our relations with China have never been better. This applies particularly to Hong Kong, Hong Kong's relations with China have indeed become much closer in recent years. In 1979, the governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, went to Peking at the invita- tion of the Chinese Government. While there he saw Vice-Premier Deng Xiaoping, who stressed that those who were putting their faith in the future of Hong Kong need not worry. Indeed, as the noble Lord, Lord Rhodes, reminded us, he specifically asked the governor to tell investors in Hong Kong "to put their hearts at case". This point has been repeated by other Chinese leaders. There can be no doubt that the significance of these assurances has not been lost upon those who live and work in Hong Kong, thus boosting confidence in Hong Kong's stability. This is demonstrated by the territory's continued prosperity and the very high levels of long-term investment in industry and other forms of development.
One or two of your Lordships have referred to the uncertainty about Hong Kong's future. Of course Her Majesty's Government recognise that there are legal problems connected with the end of New Terri- tories' lease in 1997, but these are points which can best be met by reliance on the helpful attitude of the Government of the People's Republic of China, to which I have already referred. We have an interest with China in the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and it is on this that we must build.
One aspect of Hong Kong's success is the continued and growing strength of its economy. Hong Kong industry, although hit by the last recession in world trade, adapted to it with great resourcefulness and emerged into a period of remarkable growth in the later 1970s, averaging 12.4 per cent. per annum. The world, including Hong Kong, is now facing another recession, but again Hong Kong is setting an example of adaptability and enterprise. I am therefore confident that as world trade picks up, Hong Kong will again be ready to meet new challenges as they emerge.
We in Britain of course have a stake in Hong Kong's prosperity. Apart from our responsibility for the territory, it offers striking opportunities to our in- dustrialists and traders. It is a matter of particular satisfaction to Her Majesty's Government that the Hong Kong Government's commonsense economic policy has been so successful. We greatly welcome the challenge this poses for British enterprise. The opportunities are certainly there and we hope we shall improve our share of this expanding market both in trade, in goods and in major project work. I should mention that Hong Kong is already Britain's second largest market in Asia. I doubt whether Hong Kong's success would have been possible without the free trade principles which are so fervently adhered to there. Hong Kong sets a useful example to others and we applaud them for this.
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Against this background, the ties between Britain and Hong Kong have matured and become closer in recent years. Our relationship is based on mutual understanding and a fundamental coincidence of interests. I know that problems do arise between us, but both sides approach areas of potential difficulty with good sense and are prepared to listen to each other's point of view. This was shown last year when we came to satisfactory conclusions over such issues as, for example, the defence costs agreement.
I am very much aware of the deep concern in Hong Kong over the Nationality Bill. We fully understand this. My noble friend the Foreign Secretary and other colleagues in the Government have given personal attention to the representations that the Government of Hong Kong and the unofficial members of the legislative and executive councils have made to us. These are being considered very carefully at a high level. I cannot at this point in time predict what the outcome will be, but there are two points which I would particularly wish to stress to your Lordships. It has been suggested--and clearly many people believe -that the proposals in the Bill are deliberately intended to distance the United Kingdom from Hong Kong and thereby to reduce its obligations to the territory. I can assure your Lordships that nothing is further from the truth. As my right honourable friend the Home Secretary made clear in another place on 28th January, we attach great importance to our links with the territory. The Bill is not aimed at Hong Kong. It is not intended in any way to weaken our ties.
Much of what has been said this evening has been about Hong Kong's internal affairs. Her Majesty's Government have of course a constitutional respon sibility for the good governance of Hong Kong, and my noble friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs is answerable to Parliament for this. However, I should like to make it quite clear that its internal affairs are, first and foremost, a matter for the Hong Kong Government to manage. Moreover, Her Majesty's Government have every confidence in the Hong Kong Government's ability to do this fairly and successfully. Here, I should like to echo the tributes to the role and record of the governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, which have been paid this evening. His good sense and balanced judgment during ten years of office have been a major factor in providing a stable and fair society.
The problems, particularly those arising from popula- tion growth, which Hong Kong has had to face in recent years have been enormous. I need only mention here the influx of an estimated 180,000 illegal immigrants from China and more than 80,000 refugees from Vietnam between 1st February 1979 and 31st Dec- ember 1980. The fact that it has coped so well is truly remarkable evidence that our confidence is well placed.
Almost 260,000 housing units were built between 1973 and 1980. Gross national product per capita rose by an average of 6-5 per cent. per annum in the 1970s. Hong Kong's achievements in providing housing, medical and health care, education, assistance for the needy, recreational facilities and generally the oppor tunity for its people to enjoy a full and satisfying life
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