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Hong Kong
5 JULY 1989
Sir Geoffrey Howe: I address myself to the general point made by the hon. Gentleman, because I cannot make any dictions about the response of the Chinese Government on that or any other point at this stage. It is clear, as a matter of logic and common sense, that it is massively in the interests of China for the Joint Declaration to be upheld and for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity to be maintained. That is the basis on which the declaration was entered into, and the basis on which we have commended its credibility, not only in Hong Kong but around the world. The actions taken by the Chinese Government a month ago plainly were not in the interests of China, its Government, its people or anyone else. Those actions, which plainly flew so much in the face of justice and common sense, did much to damage present confidence. I certainly accept the hon. Gentleman's advice about the need to press China as strongly as we can to return to a true recognition of its interests in upholding the agreement.
Mr. Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield): Would my right hon. and learned Friend accept that a number of hon. Members were deeply concerned when we transferred the sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1984, and therefore affected the future of its people without any meaningful discussions with them? Will he take seriously the recommendations of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, which were reinforced by the right hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Stepney (Mr. Shore), who said that the one way of re-establishing confidence in Hong Kong and guarante- eing its future is to implement a meaningful system of democracy, involving the franchise for all the people of Hong Kong, before the transfer of sovereignty in 1997?
Sir Geoffrey Howe: On the first point, my hon. Friend may not have observed the immense attention that we paid
Hong Kong
at the time, in consultation after consultation with the people and the leaders of Hong Kong as well as hon. Members-
Mr. Winterton: The leaders, not the people.
Sir Geoffrey Howe: And the people, so far as it was possible to do so, and the House. The Joint Declaration was the result of consultation to such an extent that it is massively endorsed by people on all sides in Hong Kong as well as here as the true foundation for the future.
On my hon. Friend's second point, I am always ready and glad to receive advice from him on any subject, but the advice that one must regard as being more decisive is that which comes from Hong Kong.
Mr. Tom Clarke (Monklands, West): Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity to reply to the question asked by my right hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Kaufman) about whether the Government will recognise the trade mission, and if so what extent, that is due to take place in Peking later this year?
Sir Geoffrey Howe: The position of that mission is still under consideration, and will be addressed according to the conclusions set out at the end of the Madrid summit last week. We certainly shall not sustain fresh subsidised business because it would be foolish-this is the strong advice that I have received from Hong Kong-to move in the direction of an economic embargo on the People's Republic of China.
Several Hon. Members rose-
Mr. Speaker: I will certainly bear in mind the claims of hon. Members who have not been called on the statement.
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