TNAG-1377-FCO40-1825-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 192

CONFIDENTIAL

(f) JOINT LIAISON GROUP

A number of hon

Members have referred to the Joint Liaison

Group which will be established on the entry into force of the

agreement.

As my rt hon and learned Friend said at the beginning of this

debate,

we

are

on

practicalities

of

working

the

this. Its

establishment is still s ome months off and work remains to be

done. The Government will announce the membership of the Group

and other details in due course.

The Government will approach the Joint Liaison Group in a

positive spirit.

be of the utmost

smooth transition.

Cooperation with the Chinese Government will

importance in the coming years to ensure a

A number of hon

Members have suggested that Hong Kong Unofficials should be represented on the Group. As my rt hon and learned Friend made clear in our last debate on 5 December,

this would not

not be appropriate. The Joint Liaison Group is a

body.

Hong Kong Government Officials will

diplomatic

participate

consultation

on

the on

the

British side, and

be there will

work of the Group with the

full

Executive

Council of Hong Kong.

CONFIDENTIAL