TNAG-1378-FCO40-1826-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 47

(1) CONCLUSION

CONFIDENTIAL

I think it is fair to conclude from this debate that

just as the agreement was acceptable to the House, so this

Bill which will enable the Government to ratify the agreement is broadly acceptable to the House.

There is no disagreement that we should provide for the

termination of sovereignty and jurisidiction over Hong

Kong on 1 July 1997; there is no disagreement about the

need to legislate on nationality, the adaptation of law

and to provide diplomatic privileges and immunities to the Chinese members of the Joint Liaison Group.

about the exact

There are perhaps some questions about

mechanisms we should use to meet

to meet these ends, but I hope I

have explained satisfactorily why the Government has

adopted the approach it has in this Bill.

I hope that the House will now give the Bill a Second Reading.

CONFIDENTIAL

し