TNAG-2709-FCO40-3915-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 100

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PQS ON GOVERNOR'S CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS

1. Mr Anthony Coombs MP has put down the following question for oral answer on 14 April:-

To ask the Secretary of State if he will make a statement on the Governor of Hong Kong's constitutional proposals for the colony.

2. We propose to reply as follows:

- We fully support the Governor in his effort to respond to the wish of the people of Hong Kong for a greater degree of democracy.

- We remain ready to discuss the Governor's proposals with the Chinese Government, with the aim of reaching an understanding with them. But we cannot delay the legislative process indefinitely. A decision on introducing the legislation into Hong Kong's Legislative Council will be taken in the light of developments.

3.

Michael Colvin has asked the following oral PQ for answer on 14 April:

- To ask the Secretary of State when and where he intends to have talks with the Government of the People's Republic of China on the development of democracy in Hong Kong and if he will make a

statement.

4. We intend to recommend the following reply:

we remain willing to hold talks with the Chinese Government, without preconditions, at any time I hope they can begin as as possible, given the need for the Legislative Council to pass Legislation in good time before the elections in 1994 and 1995.

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