TNAG-2710-FCO40-3916-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 146

PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME:

4 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.

HKB 011/6 RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

6 MAY 1993

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

REGISTRY

Action Taken

15ap.pm.PR

SLM

105