HC Deb 06 June 1956 vol 553 cc1083-4
42. Mr. Younger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what request he has received from the Government of the People's Republic of China for the establishment of relations with the Government of Hong Kong; and what answer has been returned.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

On 25th February the Chinese Government informed Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Peking that they would like to establish in Hong Kong an office of a Commissioner of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China with diplomatic and other staff. This proposal raises a number of issues which are still under consideration.

Mr. Younger

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that in a recent public statement Mr. Chou En-lai said that this was one of a number of matters which made an improvement in relations between the two countries difficult? Since this request apparently came in February, is it not about time that Her Majesty's Government made up their mind about what seems to be a quite normal proposal between States which recognise each other diplomatically?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that upon reflection the right hon. Member will realise that this question does raise a number of points. I do not think that real complaint can be taken about the time which we have so far taken to consider the matter. After all, it was about four years after the Labour Government recognised them that the Chinese Government decided to send a chargé d'affaires to London. These matters want consideration, and we will consider them.