TNAG-1740-FCO40-2456-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-UK-Parliament-1988 — Page 87

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Mr fortmax (paca 3) (~4/3

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FROM: PS/LORD GLENARTHUR

HKB 020473

25 May 1988

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CC: Private Secretary

PS/Mr Eggar

Mr McLaren PRU

HONG KONG: DR JOHN MAREK MP

i.

Dr Marek, who had not been able to attend Lord Gienarthur's drinks on 25 April for Parliamentarians interested in Hong Kong, came in yesterday for a brisk but amiable meeting. Mr Paul (HKD) was also present.

2. Dr Marek said that he had discussed with Mr George Foulkes MP the ground Lord Glenarthur had covered on 25 April. He appeared confident that he understood all the issues, and said he did not require further explanation. The main points covered in the subsequent conversation were as follows:

(a) Dr Marek was pleased that the debate in the House of Commons on the Basic Law would be (sic) later rather than earlier. Late June or early July looked to be the best time.

He thought it important to have a debate. Lord Gienarthur agreed that it would be preferable to avoid an early debate, but did not enter into an argument about whether a debate would definitely be held.

(b) Dr Marek hoped that in any contacts with the Chinese Government HMG would represent the full range of views of Parliament, including those of the Opposition.

We might usefully show them Hansards. Lord Glenarthur said that he was sure that the Chinese Embassy here kept their Government well informed of events in Parliament.

(c) Dr Marek was in favour of maintaining a broadly bipartisan policy. But he clearly believed that Oppositions were intended to oppose, and that some of the Labour backbenchers might wish to speak out. Lord Glenarthur reassured him that the Government paid close attention to the views of the Opposition Front Bench.

(d) Lord Glenarthur underlined the importance of the Basic Laws the fact that the Chinese were drawing up such a document was a very considerable achievement which ten years ago none would have considered possible. Dr Marek agreed. He said that he would have preferred early

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