§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what consideration Her Majesty's Government propose to give, in future discussions with the Chinese Government regarding the legal framework governing the transitional period up to 648W 1997, to the effect of the Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865 on the introduction of democratic institutions in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonOur exchanges with the Chinese Government on Hong Kong are confidential. The legal framework for Hong Kong for the period up to 30 June 1997 must conform with the provisions of the Sino-British joint declaration, under which the British Government will retain full responsibility for the administration of the territory to that date. We are satisfied that the provisions of the Colonial Laws Validity Act will in no way affect the ability of the Government to fulfil all our obligations under the joint declaration.