HC Deb 15 July 1965 vol 716 c749
11. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he proposes to visit Hong Kong.

Mrs. White

My right hon. Friend has no plans at present for a visit to Hong Kong but hopes that a visit by him or another Colonial Office Minister can be arranged before long.

Mr. Rankin

May I thank my hon. Friend for that Answer and hope that the implied promise will materialise very soon? Is she aware that during my visit to Hong Kong I found many people who were disappointed that at Government level visits were too short and too far between and that at ceremonial level they were non-existent? May I ask my hon. Friend to look into these two aspects of what is a problem for the people of Hong Kong?

Mrs. White

As my hon. Friend knows, my right hon. Friend and I have visited more than half of the Colonial territories since we took office. We will certainly try to arrange a visit by one or other of us to Hong Kong.

Mr. Amery

While paying tribute to the visiting zeal of the right hon. Gentleman and the hon. Lady, may I ask for an assurance that there is no question that Hong Kong will be transferred to the Ministry of Pensions?

Mrs. White

I do not think that there is any danger of that at the moment.

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