TNAG-1326-FCO40-1738-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 100

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FROM: P H Johnson, Parliamentary

Clerk

DATE: 30 November 1984

cc: PS/Lady Young PS/Mr Rifkind

PS/Mr Luce PS/Mr Renton Mr Houston Mr Barrington ECD (I) HKD V MAED

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BUSINESS STATEMENT 29 NOVEMBER : HONG KONG TIME: UNLOSC

EC : FCO QUESTION

1. After the Business Statement on 29 November Mr Kinnock and Mr Andrew Faulds asked for additional time for the Hong Kong Debate on 5 December. Mr Biffen agreed to extend the time to midnight.

2. Mr Kinnock remarked also that the High Court ruling of 28 November threw doubt on the legality of the £120 million Order granting supplementary finance to the EC. He sought an assurance that the money would not be paid without parliamentary approval. Mr Biffen replied that the matter was being studied.

3. Mr Eric Deakins asked why the Foreign Secretary had not yet made a statement on the outcome of the recent EC Foreign Ministers meeting as it was the last before the summit. Mr Biffen said he would draw the point to the attention of the Secretary of State.

(Mr Rifkind is making a written statement today in reply to an inspired PQ.)

4. Mr David Winnick said that 40 minutes (sic) for foreign affairs, including the EC is inadequate. In his reply Mr Biffen suggested the matter be referred to the usual channels.

5.

Mr Jonathan Sayeed asked for a debate on the Law of the Sea Convention before 10 December. Mr Biffen pointed out that there will be an Adjournment Debate on this subject on 6 December.

6.

1.

I attach the relevant Hansard extracts Vol 68, No 18.

Departments receiving a copy of this minute should consider whether any follow up action is required. In addition they should also prepare a 'Line to Take' (usually defensive) and brief backgrounċ note for use by the Lord Privy Seal. These should reach Parliament- ary Unit by NOON on Wednesday 5 December.

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Akikil fahmon

P H Johnson

Parliamentary Clerk