TNAG-1753-FCO40-2473-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 16

HO

ORDS

FROM

+

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

House of Lords Westminster

2.

..

For example, the Basic Law Drafting Committee of 59 members chosen by the Chinese Government includes 23 members from

Hong Kong and the Basic Law Consultative Committee whose duty is to evaluate the drafts on behalf of the

people of Ilong Kong has 180 members mostly from Hong Kong and representative of a wide range of interests in the

colony. A Hong Kong view is therefore very much in evidence if there is no reason at this moment for euphoriu there is no reason either for undiluted pessimism.

It is, I think, important to note that Chinese spokesmen

have expressed the hope that the people of Hong Kong will comment freely on the draft and that the Chinese Government will readily take these comments into account. This sborla surely be taken seriously and taken advantage of.

Finally, there is no reason why the British Government should not,if necessary make representations on any important aspect of the Busic Law as a signatory of the Declaration.

As we know, a lively and well informed debate is

Foing on in the Hong Kong community mainly under the aeeis

of the BLCC and members of the Drafting Committee from Ching are visiting Hong Kong to hear stedxxviewsy the cenery?

reaction.

1