HL Deb 08 July 1982 vol 432 cc993-4WA
Lord Lloyd of Kilgerran

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are being taken to approach the Government of the People's Republic of China in respect of the future of Hong Kong generally.

Lord Belstead

Hong Kong has been raised in a number of ministerial discussions with Chinese leaders. Both Her Majesty's Government and the Chinese Government are studying the question of the future of the Territory and both sides are agreed on the vital importance of its continued prosperity and stability.

Lord Lloyd of Kilgerran

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree that the status quo should be preserved in Hong Kong at the end of the New Territories lease in 1997 and that the whole of Hong Kong Chinese territory should be administered by Her Majesty's Government for another 20 years and thereafter unless and until the Chinese Government give at least 10 years' notice of their desire to change the administration.

Lord Belstead

It would be inappropriate at this time to speculate on the arrangements to be reached on this matter.