§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what efforts he is making to encourage the Chinese Government to ensure that the proposed electoral college for Hong Kong will be democratically accountable; and if he will make a statement; [13954]
(2) what discussions he has had with the Chinese Government about the establishment of an electoral college in Hong Kong to oversee the appointment of a chief executive; and if he will make a statement. [13955]
§ Mr. Hanley[holding answer 7 February 1996:]: The Sino-British joint declaration on the question of Hong Kong provides for the chief executive of the Hong Kong special administrative region to be selected by election or through consultations held locally, and then appointed by the Chinese Government. When they adopted the Basic Law, Hong Kong's future constitution, the Chinese National People's Congress also decided on special arrangements for choosing the first chief executive by a selection committee consisting of 400 permanent residents of Hong Kong. My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary recently told Chinese leaders—and Chinese officials have made similar public remarks since—that it will be important for confidence in Hong Kong for the chief executive to command the support and respect of the Hong Kong civil service and of Hong Kong people.