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continues as the substantive head of it? The ideal head (an officer combining professional knowledge with the political feel and flair that is so necessary in Hong Kong conditions) will never emerge unless the professional officers are given some opportunity to acquire "political" experience through the exercise of responsibility at higher levels.
10. We realise that you are very fully occupied at present, but if someone could let us have early replies to our questions about staff (particularly Goodwin) it would be most helpful. We
should also be glad to learn of further developments over hours of work as soon as they occur; Ministers attach the greatest importance to making early and real progress on this and are convinced that it is an essential first step to improving Hong Kong's image in labour matters.
(H.P. Hall)
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