§ 35. Mr. A. Royleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Hong Kong.
§ 37 and 38. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Hong Kong;
§ (2) if he will make a statement on constitutional development in Hong Kong.
§ 41. Mr. Luardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are his proposals for constitutional reform in Hong Kong.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Frederick Lee)With permission, I will answer Questions No. 35, 37, 38 and 41 together.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. May I ask my right hon. Friend to note that Question No. 38 is quite different from the other three and should, therefore, be answered separately?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a point of order. The hon. Member should not waste the time of the House.
§ Mr. LeeThe purpose of my visit was to see something of the outstanding social and economic progress which has been achieved in recent years and to discuss plans for future development.
1140 It was not my purpose to look into constitutional development. However, I heard many views on the subject, and I remain in no doubt that progress towards self-government or independence is not possible, for reasons which are generally understood in the Colony. Where I feel that there may be scope for change is in the field of urban and municipal affairs. The possibilities are being studied.
In the course of my visit I initiated discussions with the Hong Kong Government about possible economies in the garrison and the Colony's contribution to its cost, in the context of our balance of payments problem. Detailed consideration of these matters is in progress.
§ Mr. RoyleIn view of the agitation for constitutional development by many of his hon. Friends, will the right hon. Gentleman stress the dangers, bearing in mind Hong Kong's geographical position? Will he also underline the impressive work which has been done in the social, housing and education spheres by the Hong Kong Government?
§ Mr. LeeI thought that I had done the latter in my Answer. With regard to independence or self-government, I just do not see it as a possibility, and constitutional development would make sense only if self-government were to be the goal.
§ Mr. RankinDid my right hon. Friend discover that there is no such thing as free public education in Hong Kong? Will he note that and consider what should be done about it? On the economic side, was he not impressed by the abundant wealth of Hong Kong on the one hand and the extreme poverty that exists on the other? What suggestions did he make to the Governor to try to iron out that discrepancy?
§ Mr. LeeI should have thought that in the last few years some very great advances indeed have been made for the elimination of these two peaks. I certainly discussed with the Governor the future economic progress of Hong Kong, given the circumstances of which all hon. Members are aware. I believe that the Hong Kong Government have made outstanding progress in the last 10 years.
§ Mr. RankinBut my second question——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Mr. Luard.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. My second question——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The fact that the hon. Member's question may not have been answered does not raise a point of order for me. Mr. Luard.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I must ask the hon. Member to accept my Ruling.
§ Mr. RankinBut, Mr. Speaker, on a point of order.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Question Time is precious. Mr. Luard.
§ Mr. RankinDo not abuse it.
§ Mr. LuardIf there is to be more development of urban and other forms of local government, as my right hon. Friend just suggested, will he consider the possibility of appointing nominated members from among representatives of these local institutions for the Legislative Council in Hong Kong?
§ Mr. LeeAs I told the House, we are examining the possibilities of an extension of powers for local government. There is a possibility that the suggestion made by my hon. Friend will be looked at.