§ Sir John Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to safeguard the interests of Hong Kong in the European Economic Community's Generalised Preference Scheme against Hong Kong's competitors in independent Commonwealth and foreign countries not associated with the Community.
§ Mr. John DaviesUnder the terms of the Treaty of Accession the United Kingdom will align to the EEC's Generalised Scheme of Preferences on 1st January 1974. This scheme is at present under discussion in Brussels. We are seeking, and shall continue to seek, to improve it in accordance with the Paris summit communiqué. In these discussions we shall continue to do all we can to safeguard Hong Kong's interest.
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§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communication he has had with the Governor of Hong Kong regarding the matter of corruption by public servants in that colony; and whether he will institute an anti-corruption squad independent of the local police force.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleMy right hon. Friend and I had extensive discussions about this problem with the Governor of Hong Kong when he was in this country recently. The Governor announced on 17th October the setting-up of a separate anti-corruption commission under a civilian commissioner. The commissioner will have under him an operations unit which will take over the function and the files of the anti-corruption branch of the police.