§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will make a statement on the recent election of the Hong Kong chief executive designate. [10301]
§ Mr. HanleyMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and I have all sent messages of congratulation to Mr. Tung, for whom we have great respect. British Ministers have every confidence that he will be a worthy first chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He will of course be most welcome to visit Britain at a time of his choosing. Ministers and the Governor are full committed to offering every assistance to the chief executive designate and his team to help in their preparations for a successful handover, in line with the Joint Declaration.