§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement in respect of the governor of Hong Kong's emergency meeting held on 25 September, in connection with threats to the colony's marine police officers by Chinese security officials in the colony's waters.
§ Mr. GoodladOn 25 September, a Hong Kong fishing vessel was boarded by Chinese security officers within Hong Kong territorial waters. This was a serious incident and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised it with the Chinese Foreign Minister on the same day. On 29 September, Chinese officials made clear to the Hong Kong Government that the action of the Chinese officers concerned had been incorrect, and offered apologies for the incident. This response underlines the shared interest of Hong Kong and China in effective cooperation to combat smuggling.