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Housing
The Prime Minister was most impressed by the remarkable achievements of the Hong Kong Government over the last decade in providing accommodation for the people of the Colony.
grinch love He has, however, asked me to mention in
by a crash programme particular his hope that it will be possible to increase the rate at which it is planned to house the remaining 500,000 squatters. I should therefore be most grateful if you could have a special study made of this problem.
Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman
am Pinte
I would like to see a post of Ombudsman or similar office established as soon as
possible. I know that some of the unofficial members of both the Executive and Legislative Councils doubt whether such a post is necessary and that the constitutional position of the Colony presents difficulties, It
neverhalen strikes me, however, that the "Ombudsman"
concept is particularly suitable for the circumstances of Hong Kong. The new office would of course have to be quite separate from the normal machinery of government and I think the "Commissioner" would have to report to you personally. The Parliamentary Commissioner here has certain restrictions on his activities
and it will be necessary to consider what restrictions should be placed on the "Ombudsman" in Hong Kong. I am arranging therefore for the Parliamentary Commissioner to be consulted
in the light of this commerch about these proposals and his views will be sent to you as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I should be grateful if you would consider the best way of reviving this issue with your unofficial advisers.
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I have agreed with Anthony Royle that he should visit Hong Kong in October, He is anxious to discuss the situation generally with you before you go on leave, I very much-
time of his out at he letest hope that by then it will be possible to announce decisions on primary education, an
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accelerated housing programme and the appoint- ment of an Ombudsman.