TNAG-1843-FCO40-2618-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 5

FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:

STATES FORMAL EVIDENCE:

LINE OF QUESTIONING FOR SECRETARY OF

22 MARCH 1989

A: THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT

DECLARATION, INCLUDING PREPARATIONS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSFER OF

GOVERNMENT.

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(i) JLG

What progress has been made by the JLG? Main achievements to

date?

Future prospects for the JLG, including role after 1997?

(ii) Basic Law

What is status of the English-language version? Will Chinese-language version carry more weight, if the final of interpretation lies with NPC Standing Committee?

General views on the second draft? Do we regard it as satisfactory/ a great improvement?

Judicial and legislative aspects

Is article 159 consistent with provision for an independent judiciary and legislature in the Joint Declaration?

Is article 157 consistent with an independent judiciary?

Budgetary provisions. Are these provisions satisfactory, including the change of wording in the English text?

Human Rights

Are these provisions satisfactory?