§ 35. Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs when he last met the Chinese ambassador to discuss Hong Kong. [35196]
§ Mr. HanleyMy right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary last met Jiang Enzhu on 15 February. Our discussions with the Chinese authorities on Hong Kong issues take place at various levels in capitals and elsewhere.
§ Mr. CallaghanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Vietnamese boat people are currently living in camps in Hong Kong; and what is his policy on their future. [36275]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorOn 1 June 1996 there were 18,125 Vietnamese living in camps in Hong Kong. This includes 1,347 refugees, for whom the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is responsible, 332 people undergoing screening to determine whether they are genuine refugees, and 16,446 non-refugees whose future lies in Vietnam. It remains our objective to complete the repatriation of non-refugees before the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong.
§ Mr. CallaghanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to visit Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.[36277]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs visited Hong Kong in January and looks forward to visiting again before too long. His travel plans are not yet firm.