COHACJ
CONFIDENTIAL
AL(HKD)
22 APR 1988
9
12
Minister
APS Lord Glenarthur
APS Lord
(96
Say.minute. Sap. minute. Im ismen. Daishher
Hong Kong Department
FROM:
CO Hum
2
3
DATE:
4
CC:
24
22 April 1988
Private Secretary
PS/Mr Eggar
Mr McLaren
PRUUKB
040/2. び
2014
HONG KONG: POSSIBLE DEBATE IN THE COMMONS
1.
2.
Thank you for your minute of 20 April.
As I mentioned to you, there have been a number of references by backbenchers (Sir P Blaker on a visit to Hong Kong, Dr John Marek in the Consolidated Fund Debate) to the possibility of a debate on
We would not ourselves have the Basic Law in the House of Commons.
The Chinese have reluctantly any interest in stimulating one. accepted that it is Parliament's business whether or not a debate takes place: but they would be very much less relaxed if they felt it had been instigated by HMG.
3.
Ministers
The position in the House of Lords is different. have agreed that there would be merit in a debate an Hong Kong in the relatively uncontentious atmosphere of the Lords, provided that the motion was not too closely focussed on the Basic Law. Lord Glenarthur has reached an understanding with Lord Cledwyn that it would be a good idea to aim for a debate in the early summer. This would not be on a Government motion. (Mr Reddaway's minute of
31 March refers.)
4.
Where Mr Foulkes is concerned it might be helpful if
Lord Glenarthur could have a quiet word with him on the telephone before his drinks party on 27 april. He might make the following
points:
(We shall
(i) these are early days to talk about a debate on the Basic Law.
Members will first want to consider the draft.
CONFIDENTIAL
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