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The Society of Motor Manufacturers
and Traders Limited
Forbes House Halkin Street London SW1
Telephone: 01-235 6611 Telegrams: Movendum London SWI Telex: 21628
ference: OVERSEAS/TAC/FS
Your reference:
CONFIDENTTAL
R. Gowers dsq.,
Board of Trade,
Commercial Relations & Exports Dept.,
1 Victoria Street,
London, S.W.1.
Director John Beswick MA,
Secretary J. D. W. Gent
31st January 1969
Dear Mr. Gowers,
Hong hong
One of our members has just returned from Hong Kong and has expressed concern about the possibility of the Hong kong Government liberalising the franchise for the operation of buses in hong kong in a manner that would enable the bus operators and franchise holders, The howloon Bus Company and the Hong Kong Bus Company, to purchase Japanese vehicles.
As you will be aware, the terms of the present bus operation franchise granted to the above companies obliges them to purchase and operate only British buses.
Hong Kong is a very valuable market for British buses and it is well known that our vehicles have been satisfactory in every respect and in fact have produced a great deal of profit for the operators.
The requirements of the two operators during the next 2/3 years are believed to be approximately 1,000 buses, single and double deck and in view of the fact our our buses have given every satisfaction it is hoped that the Hong Kong Government will ensure that British interests are fully protected and that there is no change in the present franchise conditions for bus operation in the colony.
Would you be kind enough to let me have your comments on this important matter as quickly as possible.
Yours sincerely.
T. A. CATON
Overseas Executive
J
Midale East & Africa