TNAG-1753-FCO40-2473-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 101

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HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE: 10 JUNE

OPENING STATEMENT BY LORD GLENARTHUR

1.

I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Cledwyn, for giving this House a further opportunity to discuss developments in Hong Kong. Our responsibility for Hong Kong and its future is a matter of high priority for Her Majesty's Government; my Hi L foow the Sots for FVCA made that plani iittonja org my Bearity, As the Minister Making with day to day Nesporostating firean any endore fully for rema

2.

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We welcome the close interest in the territory taken by many members of this House.

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I know that a number have only recently returned from visits to Hong Kong, and look forward with particular interest to their contributions to this debate.

3.

The motion draws attention to recent developments relating to the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the

In thos Question of Hong Kong. In my speech I intend to refer to three aspects:

first, progress in the work of the Sino-British Joint Liaison

Group;

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second, the development of representative government. This is directly related to our responsibilities under the Joint Declaration to work for a smooth transfer of government in 1997;

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third, the publication by the Government of China of the draft Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region of China. This flows from their responsibilities under the provisions of the Joint Declaration.

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Vive Krusham have handerson and his expressed, concess The work of the Joint Liaison Group is proceeding steadily had Ind

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and smoothly. [Its last meeting, the ninth, was held in Hong Kong in March: the next will take place in London in September.] In the three years of its existence it has achieved a great deal. its subject matter is undramatic, technical, even dry. But all of it is important in giving substance to Hong Kong's future and certainty to Hong Kong people.

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