CR 17/3231/67
CONFIDENTIAL
16
COLONIAL SECRETARIAT,
HONG KONG.
6th March, 1969
13
16/541
16/εyii
161ミ
Dear Gaminara,
Thank you for your letter HKK 1/8 of 7th February, 1969
to Hamilton on the subject of the Commissioner for Administration Bill.
I enclose two copies of the latest draft of this Bill and one copy of a covering memorandum XCR (69)9 which was considered by the Executive Council on 28th January. Some of the Unofficials had considerable reservations on the proposal, which have subsequently been ventilated in the Governor's address to the Legislative Council on Budget Day. I enclose extracts from the Governor's speech.
At present, therefore, the matter rests with the Executive Council decision that an examination be carried out as to the possibility of strengthening the Umelco Secretariat so as to enable Umelco to deal more effectively with public complaints. A sub- committee of Umelco has recently been formed to look into this. The proposal for a Commissioner for Administration in Hong Kong is to be referred back to Executive Council for decision in the light of the outcome of the examination referred to.
Meanwhile, we welcome the interest of the Parliamentary Commissioner's Office in this matter and would appreciate any comments they may have on the Bill. I should point out, however, that although it is the fourth draft it has not yet been examined by Heads of Departments in Hong Kong. In forwarding the Bill to the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner I should be obliged if you would make it clear that the Bill is a Restricted document and that no decision has yet been made, in principle, as to whether we will, in fact, set up a Commissioner for Administration.
/The..
LA:
13
20
A.W. Gaminara, Esq., C.M.G., Foreign & Commonwealth Office,
Hong Kong Department, London, S.W.1.
CONFIDENTIAL
The
K. 271.
AKK 1 /8 1 2.
ANG 3.69
10.