(Questions and answers following Secretary of State's statement 25
October)
ROBERT HARVEY (Conservative)
1. Hong Kong should establish locall recruited defence force before
1997 to replace British garrison. Government and Assessment Office
would reflect residents' views on Basic Law to China.
(Hong Kong press conference: GIST 29 October)
DENIS HEALEY (Labour)
Concern over
1. Most outstanding achievement of British diplomacy since Zimbabwe
settlement. Should have two-day debate. Concern over
confidentiality of Assessment Office submissions.
conduce of British businessmen in Hong Kong it would be a shame if
foreign firms took business from British firms incable of adjusting
to new status. Hope that agreement sets precedent in other areas.
(Questions and answers following Secretary of State's statement 25
October)
DAVID HEATHCOAT - AMORY (Conservative)
1. Britain should admit people from Hong Kong if the situation
"became messy".
(Hong Kong telegram 3246 18 October)
RUSSELL JOHNSTON (Liberal)
1. Government have negotiated best Agreement possible in the circumstances. "Two systems, one nation" "an historic concession". Basis of a stable future for Hong Kong. There will be arguments
about the validity of guarantees so far into the future. PRC has a
good record in observing international agreements. We are
transferring a territory to its neighbour from which most of its inhabitants have fled, doing so over the heads of those inhabitants,
who are being allowed no decisive say in their future. Britain
therefore has particular responsibility to ensure no individual
suffers for past political actions.
(Official statement 26 September).
2. Assessment Office not a cosmetic exercise: opinions would be
taken into serious account by Parliament. (Hong Kong press conference 6 October)
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.