TNAG-2710-FCO40-3916-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 105

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PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME: 1 JULY

HONG KONG/LORD HOWE'S REPORT

Governor is visiting London this week. I and Cabinet colleagues have been discussing Hong Kong matters with him, including the talks with China on Hong Kong electoral issues.

- Our aim is to reach an understanding with China on arrangements to ensure that the 1995 elections will be fair,

open and acceptable to Hong Kong people.

(Defensive: Was the Governor asked to water down his constitutional proposals?)

The Governor's approach is the right one. We will continue to monitor progress at the talks and work to achieve a successful

outcome.

(Defensive: What about the July/September deadline?)

Talks are going on. We want

to give them every chance to succeed. But there is not infinite time. Legislation has to be in place in time for the District Board elections in 1994.

(Defensive: National People's Congress to set up preparatory group for post-1997 Hong Kong)

Under the Joint Declaration Britain is responsible for administering Hong Kong up to 1997. No one is questioning that.

Lord Howe's report on Human Rights in China

Grateful to Lord Howe and his team for undertaking this visit. A valuable report which points to a number of areas where situation could be improved.

-

Hope the Chinese Government

will give it careful and

positive consideration.

We are ready to implement those recommendations relevant

to us.

-

No connection between release of this report and

Chris Patten's visit.

15ap.pm.PR

SLM

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