Written question asked by Fergus Montgomery (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 January 1997. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 January 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: If he will comment on the impact of the withdrawal from Hong Kong on the role of the Royal Navy. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Sir Fergus Montgomery: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the impact of the withdrawal from Hong Kong on the role of the Royal Navy. [8995] Mr. Soames: The UK's wider interest in security in the region will not diminish when the sovereignty of Hong Kong is transferred to China on 30 June. The Royal Navy will continue to deploy to the far east, as it has done traditionally. In addition to our continuing commitment to the five powers defence arrangements, we will continue our programme of bilateral defence contracts with our friends in the region.

Secondary information