TNAG-1445-FCO40-1929-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 126

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Written Answers

26 NOVEMBER 1986

Dr. Boyson: I refer to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway) on Tuesday 25 November 1986. My right hon. Friend will consider all the options for restoring the effects of the words deleted by their Lordships.

Private Lettings (Fair Rents)

Mr. Raynsford asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has about the total number of lettings by private landlords, excluding housing associations, currently in existence in Greater London, and as to what percentage of these involve fair rents set by the rent officer.

Mr. Tracey: From the annual “Labour Force Survey” it is estimated that there were some 400,000 households in Greater London renting from private landlords in the spring of 1984; these included job-or business-related lettings and other lettings to which the Rent Act does not an estimated 130,000 regulated apply. There were tenancies in London at the end of June 1984, for which a fair rent had been registered within the previous 24 months.

Camden (Housing)

Sir Geoffrey Finsberg asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will use his powers under section 23 of the Housing Act 1980 in respect of the London borough of Camden; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten: I am most concerned over the council's inadequate performance in the handling of right- to-buy applications, which is formally monitored by the Department. The case for advising the Secretary of State to use his powers of intervention will be kept under review. I shall write to my hon. Friend.

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COL. 266.

VOL.

10.6

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Rolls-Royce ple

Mr. Pike asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he proposes to have with employees of Rolls-Royce prior to privatisation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Pattie : Consultation with the employees of Rolls- Royce is a matter for the company.

Calor Gas (Takeover)

Mrs. Ann Winterton asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has recently received concerning the proposed takeover of Calor Gas.

Mr. Howard: My right hon. Friend and I have received a number of representations from hon. Members and others about this proposed acquisition. They have been drawn to the attention of the Director General of Fair Trading, who is currently examining the proposal with a view to advising my right hon. Friend whether the proposal should be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation.

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Written Answers

Takeover Bids

266

Mrs. Ann Winterton asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his Department's policy towards the conditional disposal of assets proposed in takeover bids of British companies by overseas concerns.

Mr. Howard: The current policy on references of merger proposals to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission is that they are made primarily on competition grounds, but under the Fair Trading Act 1973 each qualifying merger proposal is considered individually on its own merits. Any proposals for the conditional disposal of assets would be included in this consideration, but there is no presumption that such disposals are intrinsically objectionable, whatever the nationality of the bidder.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Hong Kong

Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to provide for the principle of one-person one-vote in future internal elections in Hong Kong; if he has discussed this matter with the Chinese Government; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton: There will be a review of the further development of representative government in Hong Kong in 1987. This review will consider all aspects of the subject, including the question whether direct elections to the Hong Kong Legislative Council should be introduced. Decisions on this must await the outcome of the review. My right hon. and learned Friend explained our position on the review to Chinese leaders when he visited China with Her Majesty the Queen.

Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place with the Chinese Government, or are planned, about the future of the walled city in Hong Kong.

Mr. Renton: There is a very wide range of issues affecting Hong Kong which we are or will be discussing with the Chinese Government. Such discussions are, however, confidential unless otherwise agreed.

Daya Bay Nuclear Reactor

Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the proposed Daya Bay nuclear reactor; if he has raised this issue with the Chinese Government; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton: One. During his recent visit to China my right hon. and learned Friend discussed the proposed nuclear power plant at Daya Bay with senior Chinese officials. They assured him that the Chinese Government are fully alive to concerns of Hong Kong people about safety aspects of the project. We shall remain in touch with the Chinese authorities, both on our own behalf and on behalf of Hong Kong.

Elgin Marbles

Mr. Wigley asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations

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