In June 1898 Hong Kong and the New Territories were leased to Britain for 99 years. In June 1997 the lease expires and Britain's largest remaining colony will be handed back to China. To mark this event, Tim Heald went to Hong Kong to explore both the historical background and the sensitive negotiations involved in the handover. He met the man at the forefront of this crucial diplomatic exercise - the London-appointed Govenor, former Tory Minister Chris Patten and spent a number of months at the Governor's residence.