Oral Answers to Questions — Hong Kong – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 26 Tachwedd 1964.
Mr Jon Rankin
, Glasgow Govan
12:00,
26 Tachwedd 1964
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his plans for the future economic and political development of Hong Kong.
Mrs Eirene White
, Flintshire East
In the special circumstances of Hong Kong, there are obvious limitations on political development. My hon. Friend will be aware that additions to the membership of the Legislative Council were made in July of this year. My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans for further change, but we shall, of course, consider any ways within the present framework in which the people may be more closely associated with the government of the Territory.
Having in mind the inevitable expansion of the labour force in the years immediately ahead, the Hong Kong Government is assisting the establishment of new factories by the provision of land and other facilities; it is encouraging measures to improve industrial productivity and to establishing further trade missions overseas including ones in Brussels and Washington.
Mr Jon Rankin
, Glasgow Govan
While thanking my hon. Friend for that very helpful Answer, may I ask whether she remembers that we used to regard Hong Kong as the shop window of democracy in the Far East? Is she aware that it was only four months ago that the right to form political parties was conceded to the people of Hong Kong? In view of that fact, and in view also of the increasing prosperity, there is now a growing desire for a greater share in running the Colony by the people of Hong Kong. Will my hon. Friend say whether or not —[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]
Lieut-Colonel Sir Walter Bromley-Davenport
, Knutsford
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy-Speaker. Is it right that we should have Second Reading speeches during Question Time?
Mr. Deputy-Speaker:
I must point out again to the House that supplementary questions and answers are getting too long. Mr. Rankin.
Mr Jon Rankin
, Glasgow Govan
In view of that fact, will my hon. Friend look with some favour on this growing tendency?
Mrs Eirene White
, Flintshire East
I have some sympathy with my hon. Friend's remarks but he will realise that changes were made as recently as last July and I think we had better wait a little longer before any further changes are made.
Mr Gordon Campbell
, Moray and Nairnshire
As regards economic development, is the hon. Lady aware that Hong Kong has been particularly hard hit by the 15 per cent. Import surcharge?
Mrs Eirene White
, Flintshire East
We are aware that this has caused some difficulties in Hong Kong. We considered whether any special measures should be taken to protect Hong Kong, but I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will realise that there would be very great difficulties there, and I think Hong Kong will not be as seriously affected as he seems to think.
Mr Jon Rankin
, Glasgow Govan
On a point of order. While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, I beg to give notice — —
Mr. Deputy-Speaker:
Order. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to give notice, will he do so in the traditional way.
Mr Jon Rankin
, Glasgow Govan
I beg to give notice that I shall pursue this matter at the earliest possible moment on the Adjournment.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
The Second Reading is the most important stage for a Bill. It is when the main purpose of a Bill is discussed and voted on. If the Bill passes it moves on to the Committee Stage. Further information can be obtained from factsheet L1 on the UK Parliament website.
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