HL Deb 14 November 1983 vol 444 cc1055-6

Lord Brockway: My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a statement on the progress of talks with China on the future of Hong Kong.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, as my right honourable friend the Minister of State for Overseas Development said in another place on 2nd November, a second, more detailed phase of the Sino-British talks on Hong Kong's future began in July and is continuing through diplomatic channels in Peking. The fifth session of this phase was held on 19th and 20th October. Both sides agreed it was useful and constructive. A further session is taking place today and on 15th November.

Lord Brockway

My Lords, while recognising the difficulty of Communist control of a capitalist economy, is not an agreement urgently necessary in view of the deterioration of the Hong Kong dollar, already causing higher prices and unemployment? Also, have not the Chinese said that they would impose their own plan if an agreement is not reached by September?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, we and the Chinese are agreed that the common aim must be to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, and both parties are therefore proceeding with that in mind. I think it would be unhelpful if I were to make additional comments, because we think that the negotiations are best conducted in confidence.

Lord Brockway

My Lords, can something be done to relieve the frustration among the people in Hong Kong—98 per cent. Chinese—because the talks are conducted by a non-elected Governor of a non-elected Legislative Council? Could not consultants be appointed to the talks to represent the Chinese community?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I can assure the noble Lord that those who are representing the United Kingdom in these discussions are taking very fully into account the views of the people of Hong Kong.

Lord Geddes

My Lords, in view of the immediacy of the talks in Peking. would not my noble friend agree that this Question is somewhat inopportune?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the tabling of Questions in your Lordships' House is not a matter for me.

Lord Oram

My Lords, is it not important to recognise that to the Chinese sovereignty over Hong Kong is at least as vital and as undoubted as sovereignty over the Falklands is to Britain? Can the Minister say whether, on the British side, the negotiations are being conducted with that in mind and with that conceded?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the principal aim, as I said just now, is for the negotiations to have regard to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It would be unhelpful, I think, if either party went into these negotiations with any preconceived notions.

Lord Morris

My Lords, is my noble friend entirely satisfied with the vigour with which the negotiators on behalf of Her Majesty's Government have put to the Chinese the point that the making of unilateral statements while negotiations are going on is generally extremely counter-productive?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords. I can assure my noble friend that the Chinese are well aware of all our views in these matters.

Lord Brockway

My Lords, would the Minister not agree that it is ironic that democracy should be withheld in Hong Kong for fear of Chinese opposition, when the Chinese themselves are now suggesting that the administration should be selected in consultation with community organisations?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, as I said just now to the noble Lord, we fully take into account the views of the Hong Kong people in these matters. There is a certain parliamentary system in Hong Kong, but, of course, I recognise it is not of the same kind as ours.

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