TNAG-1326-FCO40-1738-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 74

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CONFIDENTIAL

COMMITMENT OF HVG TO HONG KONG AND THE NEED FOR AN

ANNUAL DEBATE

32. Many noble Lords have referred to the suggestion that

the Government should make an annual report to Parliament and

that there should be an annual debate on Hong Kong.

I am

always a little suspicious of the idea of set timetables:

they provide too much temptation to put everything off in the

meantime until the annual event. But I take note of what has

been said, and I agree that regular accountability to Parliament is important. I have no doubt that Parliament

will maintain the interest in and commitment to Hong Kong that has been amply illustrated by this debate.

33. The Government for its part will continue to discharge

effectively the obligation to assure the

assure the administration of

Hong Kong up to 1 July 1997. It will be our prime aim to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.

no doubt about our commitment to the territory.

There can be

CONFIDENTIAL