HL Deb 08 September 2003 vol 652 cc16-7WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Given that the new Security Bill for Hong Kong passed its Committee stage in eight hours and is likely to become law on 9 July, what discussion they are having with the government of China on this subject. [HL3701]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Article 23 of the Basic Law states that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) shall enact national security legislation "on its own". We have therefore made frequent representations to the SAR Government on this issue, including at ministerial level.

We have also discussed the issue with the Chinese Government. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr Rammell) did so with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui in January and my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary did so on 25 June with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. On 21 July. during his visit to China, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister discussed Article 23 with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

The legislation was not passed on 9 July. Following a large demonstration in Hong Kong on 1 July, the Chief Executive announced significant amendments to the legislation on 5 July, including the removal of the proposed new provisions regarding the proscription of Hong Kong organisations subordinate to organisations proscribed on the mainland on national security grounds. This had been one of the main concerns of the people of Hong Kong and of the international community and we had repeatedly expressed our concern on this issue. On 7 July the Chief Executive announced that passage of the legislation would be delayed to allow more time for further discussion in Hong Kong. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr Rammell) issued a press statement on 16 July welcoming these significant developments.

We shall continue to follow developments closely.