TNAG-1493-FCO40-2051-Future-of-Hong-Kong-General-Agreement-on-Tariffs-and-Trade-(-1986 — Page 123

Supplementary to Question No. 9

in LegCo Meeting on 28.5.86

Mr. CHEONG : Sir, can the Secretary confirm that a) the route

so taken in securing Hong Kong's new status in the GATT is the

most simple and the most effective amongst a number of other

alternatives, and b) by virtue of the most simple and effective

route being adopted, this fully demonstrates the sincerity and

the pragmatic attitudes taken by both signatory Governments of

the Joint Declaration in the process of implementation of the

terms of that important agreement.

Secretary for Trade and Industry : Sir, I have much pleasure

in confirming both points.

Professor POON : Sir, in view of the fact that Hong Kong would

become a full contracting party to the GATT, does it imply that

the Government will be more reluctant to consider reviewing its

non-intervention policy towards industry?

Secretary for Trade and Industry : Sir, the Government's

policies in regard to the GATT have not altered one bit by

virtue of our being deemed to be a contracting party to the

GATT so the question of our attitude to intervention in

industry will likewise be unaffected.