Hint at future tour plans

THE Prime Minister gave a strong hint he would come back to Hong Kong to take part in events at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the expected site of some of the handover ceremonies.

Mr Major was touring the $4.8 billion annexe to the centre on reclaimed land in Wan Chai due to be completed before June 30 next year.

The centre is one of the favourites to host some of the key handover ceremonies.

As he unveiled a foundation stone to be sited in the foyer of the new annexe, Mr Mayor said he was delighted to view the sight during its construction.

'And I may say I look forward to coming back again in the future to see what it looks like when it is completed and perhaps even to take part in some of the deliberations that will occur here in the future,' Mr Major said.

He did not say whether he was referring to the handover or events at the centre long after the change of sovereignty.

Whether he returns as Prime Minister depends on the British general election which must take place before June next year.