TNAG-1837-FCO40-2612-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 37

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D. FUTURE INQUIRIES

Once it has concluded the present inquiry into Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, the Foreign Affairs Committee plans to undertake the following inquiries:

1 Progress in implementing the Sino-British Agreement of 1984 on Hong Kong.

The House of Commons has expressed a continuing interest in the developments in Hong Kong following Parliamentary approval on 5 December 1984 of the Agreement between the Chinese and British Governments. The Foreign Affairs Committee has decided to undertake an inquiry into progress in implementing the Agreement.

The Committee intends to report to the House on

the British Government's role in implementing the Sino- British Joint Declaration including preparations for a smooth transfer of government;

- progress in discussions with the Chinese Government over implementation of the Joint Declaration and related issues; and

the British Government's responsibility for the administration of Hong Kong up to 30 June 1997.

In the course of its inquiry the Committee intends to pay a short visit to Hong Kong and Beijing.

The Committee aims to begin the inquiry in late March or early April, and conclude it in time to agree a Report to the House of Commons which would be published before the Summer

recess.

Written submissions to the Committee are invited from all interested parties, although it is not the practice of Select Committees to inquire into individual cases. Such submissions should be addressed to Mr Philip Moon, Foreign Affairs Committee, Committee Office, House of Commons, London SW1A OAA and should arrive by Friday 10 March 1989.

2 The Operation of the Single European Act, including Progress on Political Cooperation

This inquiry is expected to begin in May. Fuller terms of reference and more information will be issued in a future Press Release.

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UK Aid to Southern Africa

The Committee intends to turn its attention to this subject later in the year. Details will be given in a subsequent Press Release.