TNAG-2734-FCO40-3942-Hong-Kong-role-of-the-Legislative-Council-(LEGCO)-1993 — Page 89

GOVERMENT HOUSE HONG KONG.

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my proposals are fully consistent with these

agreements and understandings, and with the Basic

Law, I would be more than content for talks to

proceed on this basis.

Q13 Who would be on the British delegation?

A13

Sir Robin McLaren would be the British

representative. He would be supported by a team

which would include Hong Kong Government

officials and a member of the Hong Kong Department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. These are the people best qualified to provide advice and expertise to Sir Robin.

[If pressed] The Hong Kong Government members

would be Michael Sze, William Ehrman and Peter

Lai and the FCO member would be Peter Ricketts,

Head of Hong Kong Department,

Q14

Is it not true that the real argument now with the

Chinese is over whether Hong Kong Government

officials should be full members of the team?

A14

The position on our delegation is clear. It will include Hong Kong Government officials and there

will be no distinction betwen them and other members

of our tean. As I made clear in my statement to

this Council on 24 October following my visit to Peking, we agreed with the Chinese that discussions

should continue between our two sides in the Joint

Liaison Group, which includes Hong Kong Government

officials (Michael Sze and William Ehrman) as full

members.

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