§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to announce the conclusion of the current discussions, in Beijing, between Her Majesty's Government and the Chinese Government on the future of Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceNo overall timetable has been agreed for the Sino-British talks on Hong Kong's future and we cannot predict how long they will take. The issues are complex. We are getting on with the talks as quickly as we can. The important thing is to come to the right solution.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about the negotiations with the People's Republic of China on the future of Hong Kong.
§ Mr. LuceThe Sino-British talks agreed during my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's visit to China in September 1982 are continuing through diplomatic channels in Peking. The latest round in the second, more detailed phase, on the 7 and 8 December, was described by both sides as useful and constructive. The two sides reviewed the course of the talks and the progress made so far. The eighth round will be held on the 25 and 26 of January, again in Peking.