RES...
Background
We understand from several sources that some opposition MPs, in particular Mr George Foulkes, may be disposed to call for a debate on
1.
Hong Kong. They have been making enquiries about the likely publication
date of the Annual Report on Hong Kong, and Mr Foulkes' office has been given the information in the first two tirets of the attached line-to-take.
2.
Ministers agreed in December 1984 to produce an Annual Report on Hong Kong and present it to Parliament. This was in response to presure from Mr Denis Healey (then Opposition spokesman for Foreign Affairs) during a debate on the Joint Declaration on the question of Hong Kong, which had just been signed by Britain and China. The idea was that, by focussing the attention of Parliament on Hong Kong in this way, and providing the occasion for a debate, it would help to reassure the people of the territory that Britain was committed to safeguarding their future. Mr David Howell and Sir Peter Blaker were among those who supported this idea.
3.
The Report, due for publication shortly, will be the sixth in the series. So far none has occasioned a debate. The content of the Reports, including this one, is factual and uncontroversial. However, this time, like last year, there will be a foreword by the Secretary of State, which is more political in nature and sets out briefly the basic elements of our current policy towards Hong Kong. Presumably, if the Opposition does decide to call for a debate on Hong Kong this year, it will be to talk about the Secretary of State's recent visit to Hong Kong and China, and the implications for Hong Kong of the issues which were discussed during it, in particular the new airport project.
4.
Ministers have not yet been consulted on the desirability of a debate on Hong Kong in present circumstances. They will no doubt wish to consider the question of timing as well as policy and presentation. These matters will be better resolved after the Secretary of State's meeting on 18 April, at which the way forward on Hong Kong is to be discussed.
HUGADM
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