TNAG-1753-FCO40-2473-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 23

1

COZADF

RESTRICTED

HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE: 10 JUNE

STATEMENT BY LORD GLENARTHUR

1.

I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Cledwyn, for giving us

a further opportunity to discuss developments in Hong Kong. Our responsibility for Hong Kong and its future is a matter of the highest priority for Her Majesty's Government. My rt hon and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth

affairs made that plain when he visited the territory only last

week.

2.

Today's debate has underlined the continuing interest and concern for Hong Kong which is felt by members of your Lordships

House. It has also demonstrated an impressively high level of

understanding and knowledge of Hong Kong's current preoccupations. Some of this stems from recent visits to the territory, which I know

the Hong Kong Government have greatly appreciated. This interest

is a matter of great reassurance to people in Hong Kong.

3.

The motion draws attention to recent developments relating to

the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the

future of Hong Kong. The debate has focussed largely on the publication by China of the draft Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special

Administrative Region of China. I shall do the same. But first I propose to touch briefly on two other aspects, namely progress in the work of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group and the development

of representative government. I shall also mention the recent influx to Hong Kong of large numbers of boat people from Vietnam. Some of your Lordships (especially ..........) have expressed great

concern about this, which the Government fully share.

4.

The work of the Joint Liaison Group is proceeding steadily and smoothly. As Your Lordships know, its main functions are consultation on the implementation of the Joint Declaration and discussion of matters relating to the smooth transfer of government in 1997. In the three years of its existence it has achieved a great deal. Much of its subject matter is undramatic, technical,

But all of it is important in giving substance to Hong

even dry.

RESTRICTED