§ 11. Mr. McNallyasked the Minister for Trade if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards trade relations with Hong Kong following his recent visit there.
§ Mr. Peter ReesMy visit was designed to reinforce the Government's policy of maintaining and improving trade relations with Hong Kong.
§ Mr. McNallyIs the Minister aware that increasingly in the next 10 or 15 years Hong Kong's magnificent trading performance will be overshadowed by political uncertainties? Will he make sure that that is in his mind and those of his officials when dealing with Hong Kong's trade practices? Will the hon. and learned Gentleman also make sure that the People's Republic of China is aware that it could well destroy a goose that lays golden eggs for it if it created a mood of uncertainty about Hong Kong?
§ Mr. ReesIt is this Government's intention to maintain and promote the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
§ Mr. FoulkesHas the Minister read the report of the Adam Smith Institute which predicts that 20 per cent. of world trade will go through free ports such as Hong Kong by 1985? Since there are no free ports in the United Kingdom, is the hon. and learned Gentleman not worried that the working party set up by the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been hijacked by Customs and Excise? What action is he or the Secretary of State taking to make sure that the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Sproat), who is in favour of free ports, is not summarily kicked off that working party?
§ Mr. ReesNo such outcome is likely. The question is a matter primarily for my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I can assure the House that there will be a useful and constructive input from my Department and, I am sure, from my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State.