HC Deb 02 November 1983 vol 47 cc383-4W
Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the progress of talks about the future of Hong Kong.

Mr. Raison

A second, more detailed phase of the Sino-British talks on Hong Kong's future began in July and is continuing through diplomatic channels in Peking. The fifth session of this phase was held on 19 and 20 October. Both sides agreed it was useful and constructive. The next session is on 14 and 15 November.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Minister of State's recent visit to Hong Kong.

Mr. Raison

My hon. Friend the Member for Shoreham (Mr. Luce), visited Hong Kong from 24 to 28 September. He held talks with the governor and senior officials, met members of the executive and legislative councils and undertook an extensive programme of visits during which he met a broad section of the community and brought himself up-to-date with developments in the territory.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many persons have applied for visas for entry into the United Kingdom from Hong Kong since September 1982 to the latest available date; and what was the comparable figures for the previous year.

Mr. Raison

10,422 applications for visas for entry into the United Kingdom from Hong Kong were made during the period from 1 October 1982 to 30 September 1983. The comparable figures for the previous 12 months was 11,184.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications have been made for entry certificates into the United Kingdom from Hong Kong citizens since September 1982 to the latest available date; and what were the comparable figures for the previous year.

Mr. Raison

Statistics for entry certificate applications made by British dependent territories citizens deriving this status from Hong Kong are not available.

A total of 13,762 entry certificate applications were received in Hong Kong during the period from 1 October 1982 to 30 September 1983. The comparable figure for the previous 12 months was 16,372.