COHABI
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RIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME: 8 DECEMBER
VISIT OF HONG KONG DELEGATION
"Boycotted" meeting with Lord Glenarthur
I much regret that the Legislative Council members of the delegation decided not to go through with their meeting with Lord Glenarthur this morning. He was very ready to listen to their views. It is a pity that they were more interested in making a gesture than engaging in discussion.
Why were only Legco members of the delegation received?
Our position was explained fully to the delegation before they left Hong Kong. Hong Kong people have been fully consulted in the present review of representative government. It would be difficult for Ministers to receive every group that might have further representations to make. But the Legislative Councillors in the delegation were to be received in recognition of their special position.
Why was delegation only received at Lord Glenarthur's level?
It was quite appropriate that they should be received by the FCO Minister of State with special responsibility for Hong Kong.
Delegation's letter to the Prime Minister
I have received their letter and it will be studied.
Mr Lee's request to be received by the Prime Minister in January
I shall consider Mr Lee's request.
HMG has broken commitments to develop representative government in Hong Kong
Not so. The current review is the next stage. Hong Kong people's views are being sought on developments in representative government.
HMG promised in 1984 to introduce direct elections in 1988
Not so. We undertook to review the matter in 1987. That is exactly what we are doing.
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