TNAG-2710-FCO40-3916-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 116

PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME: 20 MAY

HONG KONG

Welcome start of talks with China on Hong Kong electoral issues. Hope we can get down discussing details at third round due 21-23 May.

- 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.

If we do reach an

understanding, the British and Hong Kong Governments will recommend this to the

Legislative Council in Hong Kong. It will be for them to pass the necessary legislation.

(Defensive: Will talks delay legislation?)

Governor and his Executive Council will take decisions on putting the legislation to LegCo in the light of progress in the talks.

We need to make good progress, so that legislation will be in place in time for the District

Board elections in 1994.

SIR PERCY CRADOCK IN PEKING

Sir Percy Cradock is now a

private individual. He is travelling to China in that capacity.

(if raised)

He is not an emissary from HMG to the Chinese authorities and

is not carrying any message from HMG.

HKB 011/6

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

2: MAY 1903

REGISTRY

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

Acton Falen

15ap.pm.PR SLM

(14)