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Q8.
Fears were expressed earlier this year about the effect of
the Public Order bill, which made it an offence to publish news
likely to cause alarm. Have those fears been groundless?
A8.
Unnecessary.
Aware that such fears were expressed at time.
Legislation passed on 11 March in Hong Kong represented a very
considerable liberalisation in comparison to previous position.
Hong Kong before and since March has continued to possess one of most vigorous and outspoken press communities in Asia. Confident it
will remain so.
Q9.
A9.
Is the work of the Joint Liaison Group going well?
Yes it is. A lot of practical achievements. Eg Hong
Kong's separate status in GATT, agreement to establish separate
shipping register, transitional arrangements for travel and identity documentation. Excellent co-operation in the group. Sure this will
continue.
Q10.
Peking wants the British garrison to stay we want to
scale it down. Is this issue, and the related questions of cost and
accommodation for PLA troops, on the way to being resolved?
A10.
Useful discussions with Chinese Government on
implementation of provisions in Joint Declaration relating to
defence and maintenance of public order. These discussions will
continue. Clearly the British garrison will have to be removed by
1 July 1997. This cannot be done overnight.
present British garrison a separate matter.
Defence Costs Agreement between UK and Hong Kong Governments. Negotiations under way on a new agreement.
Question of cost of
Governed by present
Making progress.
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