§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the scope and purpose of the recent visit from Hong Kong of the UMELCO delegation to London.
§ Mr. LuceA delegation representing the Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils of Hong Kong, led by Sir S. Y. Chung, arrived in London on 1 December. During their stay, the delegation had meetings with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and myself, when they explained the view of the people of Hong Kong on the draft agreement on the future of Hong Kong. They also attended the debate on the draft agreement in the House of Commons on 5 December. Some members of the delegation attended the debate on the draft agreement in the House of Lords on 10 December.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost of the recent visit of UMELCO members to London; and if Her Majesty's Government or the Hong Kong Government will bear the cost.
§ Mr. LuceThe estimated cost of the recent visit of Unofficial Members of the Executive Council and Legislation Councils — UMELCO — to London is approximately Hong Kong $500,000 — approximately £52,600. This will be met by the Hong Kong Legislative Council from the public funds appropriated each year for the expenses of the UMELCO office.