TNAG-1839-FCO40-2614-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 74

DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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PRIVACY MARKING

34. A wide range of views on various aspects of the

first draft was expressed during the consultation period.

In June and July, both Houses of Parliament debated the

Debates on the first draft were also held in

document.

Hong Kong's Legislative Council, its two Municipal

Councils and a number of District Boards. The records of

some of these debates, including those of the

Parliamentary debates, were conveyed to the Chinese

Government through diplomatic channels.

In Confidence

revised.

35. In November, the five Special Groups under the BLDC

(dealing with Central Authorities/SAR Relationships, the

Economy, Political Structure, Rights and Duties and

Education, Culture and Social Questions) resumed their

discussions and considered how the first draft should be

Following the eighth Plenum of the BLDC, held

in Canton from 9 to 15 January 1989, a second draft was

Subject to endorsement by the Standing Committee

of the NPC, this is expected to be published in March

1989 for further public consultation. The Basic Law will

then be enacted by the NPC in 1990.

agreed.

36.

Although the drafting of the Basic Law is a matter

for the Chinese authorities, the British Government have

the right to satisfy themselves that its provisions

properly reflect the terms of the Joint Declaration. The

British Government have been following the process very

closely, and have had a fruitful dialogue with the

Chinese authorities over the drafting exercise. In