THE tradition of British MPs visiting the territory all-expenses-paid is to continue to within months of the handover.
Priced at $60,000 a head, the government-funded trips aim to give those in positions of power a better insight into the territory.
The Government is soon to start drawing up the list of VIPs to be invited to the territory in the year ending March 1997.
Despite attempts to reduce the proportion of British MPs, Cheryl Le Butt, assistant director of information services (visits) said it was unlikely British MPs would be outnumbered by mainlanders.
The guests are met at the airport and whisked to the Furama hotel, where they spend a week.
They have a series of briefings on economics and politics from senior officials, often policy secretaries in person, a day in the New Territories, a helicopter trip to Chek Lap Kok, plus meetings with chambers of commerce, pressure groups and legislators.
This year 188 have been approved for full sponsorship, although not all have yet been invited. A larger number of VIPs are offered more limited hospitality, for instance if they are in Hong Kong for another purpose, the Government will fund some extra days for them.