§ 25. Sir Fergus MontgomeryTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the impact of the withdrawal from Hong Kong on the role of the Royal Navy. [8995]
§ Mr. SoamesThe UK's wider interest in security in the region will not diminish when the sovereignty of Hong Kong is transferred to China on 30 June. The Royal Navy will continue to deploy to the far east, as it has done traditionally. In addition to our continuing commitment to the five powers defence arrangements, we shall continue our programme of bilateral defence contracts with our friends in the region.