CONFIDENTIAL
4. HKD have in mind that a second statement might be necessary in June or July to keep Parliament informed of progress. I strongly endorse this. but suggest that the possibility of a full debate should not be ruled out. There is generally a great pressure on Parliamentary time, but, if the April statement arouses strong feelings, FCO Ministers might need to make out a case for a full debate in June or July. I am not in a position to judge the likely reaction in Peking to a debate in Westminster, but foresee a very rough ride for FCO Ministers in October if MPs do not have the opportunity to express their views before, as many will see it, they are presented with a fait accompli during the recess.
5. HKD are aware of the need for careful presentation in Parliament as much as in Hong Kong. But the likelihood of 2 major
developments occurring while Parliament is
in recess will inevitably attract strong criticism. In particular, the Secretary of State and the Foreign Office" will be accused of ignoring Parliament and not learning from previous mistakes (GCHQ). It will therefore be important for Ministers to be seen to take the earliest opportunity to inform Parliament at every stage and to ensure that MPs are given an indication before the two recesses of the likely course of events during their absence.
RW Bamett
16 March 1984
R W Barnett Planning Staff K 109
233 4659
CONFIDENTIAL
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