TNAG-1326-FCO40-1738-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 154

B

C

CONFIDENTIAL

My submission of 8 November and the Private

Secretary's minute of 9 November refer.

(c) Briefing MPs: The Whips might be consulted on whether

it will be necessary for Ministers to brief MPs,

including opposition leaders, intensively before the

debate.

(d)

There

Hong Kong Bill: This would be a good opportunity for a

preliminary word about the Hong Kong bill. O-e particular point is whether the Bill should be taken

on the Floor of the House or in Committee.

would be some advantage in taking it on the Floor of the House if this would facilitate its passage, although I imagine the Whips would prefer it to be

taken in Committee so as to reduce the amount of the

House's time taken up with it. I understand that

doctrine is that a constitutional bill is normally

taken on the floor of the House.

21 November 1984

Pesam

A C Galsworthy

Hong Kong Department

CONFIDENTIAL