§ Sir Anthony Royleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking through diplomatic and other channels to press 759W the European Commission in Brussels to accept Hong Kong's case that the new textile agreement should not discriminate against Hong Kong; if he is aware of the concern in Hong Kong including the danger of reaction against buying British equipment; and if he will take steps to safeguard the economic interests of this British colony.
§ Mr. LuardMy right hon. Friend is fully aware of Britain's constitutional responsibilities to Hong Kong. The Government have done their best to see that Hong Kong's interests do not suffer unduly, while at the same time ensuring the necessary protection for the British textile industry. Hong Kong is aware of our efforts.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the Official Report the number of tourists who visited Hong Kong in each of the past five years from the following countries: the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and New Zealand to the latest available date.
§ Mr. LuardFollowing is the information:
United States of America: 1973–221,921; 1974–230,995; 1975–183,635; 1976–238,605; 1977 (up to September)—177,628.
United Kingdom: 1973–44,430; 1974–43,060; 1975–47,477; 1976–57,783; 1977 (up to September)—49,909.
Japan: 1973–486,677; 1974–423,098; 1975–382,740; 1976–437,931; 1977 (up to September)—377,433.
Australia: 1973–86,060; 1974–105,429; 1975–127,112; 1976–157,360; 1977 (up to September)—118,063.
New Zealand: 1973–11,928; 1974–12,472; 1975–13,634; 1976–18,316; 1977 (up to September)—17,139.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with the security arrangements at the Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuardSecurity arrangements at Kai Tak Airport are under regular review. My right hon. Friend is satisfied with the current arrangements.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there have been any attempted hijack- 760W ings of aircraft at the Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong, during the past five years.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrival of a private plane from the Philippines containing five alleged political refugees at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong, during 1977, who subsequently boarded a flight to the United States of America via the transit lounge without completing normal immigration and other airport procedures.
§ Mr. LuardThe passengers who were on the aircraft appear to have been in transit only. They did not leave Hong Kong airport. There were no immigration procedures to be completed and there is no evidence that any breach of Hong Kong law took place.