TNAG-1377-FCO40-1825-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 109

We have had a full discussion of these matters.

directly concern

For the most

Bill.

It is

do not

Government has the concerns

in

they part,

the

not therefore necessary to go over this

ground again in today's debate. But I can as sure the

House that the

raised

this House and in Hong Kong firmly in

in view. We shall

continue to bear them in mind in our future discussions

with the Chinese, particularly in the Joint Liaison

Group.

A number of hon Members suggested during the debate that the Government should make an annual report on Hong

Kong to the House and that there should be

there should be a debate on

it. I

fully and

I entirely accept that the House will wish to be

informed about developments in Hong Kong

speedily when they occur.

take

I as sure hon Members that the Government will

to report to the House whenever there is anything significant

care

part.

There

is

doubt frankly

to

But

report.

I

no

on reluctance

our

an

the

annual report and

value

debate.

of

It

institutionalising

could well have the unintended effect that important

developments were not properly debated as and when they

occurred. This is not what we want.

hon Friend

Since our last debate my rt

the Prime

Minister and I have, as I have said, visited Peking for the signature of the agreement and we were able to raise with Chinese leaders a number of the questions that we re touched on in that debate The House will not expect me

into details

to

go

of

our

discussions,

but

Chinese

level gave us solemn assurances

of China's commitment to full implementation of the

leaders at the highest

agreement

and of their

intention

to consult Hong Kong

opinion

the on

drafting of the

Law Bas ic

on a

wide

basis.