system, with its wide range of different educational institutions. It will preserve the present freedom of choice of education and the freedom to pursue education overseas.
-It will provide for the preservation of all the rights and freedoms
which the people of Hong Kong now enjoy.
This is not an exhaustive list. Work is still in progress to cover satisfactorily a number of matters important to Hong Kong's way of life and economy. I have in mind, for example, land, civil aviation
and nationality.
There has been much discussion about the idea of a joint group and the role it might play in Hong Kong.
Before I come to this, let me emphasise one point that is firmly agreed between the British and Chinese Governments. The British government will remain responsible for the administration of Hong Kong until 1997. Let there be no doubt that we shall fulfil that responsibility right up to that date.
Even against that clear background of continuing British
administration up to 1997, everyone recognises the need for close
consultation between Britain and China.
If Hong Kong is to continue to enjoy the benefit of arrangements
essential to its trade and its economy and if in 1997 there is to be
a smooth transition, arrangements must be made in good time.
It
For this purpose we have agreed to establish a joint liaison group. It will come into being when the agreement comes into force. will meet in Peking, London and Hong Kong. Later, four years from now, it will establish its principal base in Hong Kong. It will continue to meet in London and Peking as well.
The Group's terms of reference have been precisely defined. group will have three functions: liaison, consultation on the implementation of the agreement, and exchange of information.
has also been agreed in the terms of reference that: The Group will not be an organ of power:
The
It
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