STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Flag F
Conference Department have advised that such changes can be
contemplated. To avoid confusion we should check this before
formally submitting the name of a new candidate for Her Majesty's
approval.
10.
Although we must await the go-ahead from the Palace, it
would be appropriate to consider now the Governor's amended
recommendation of a successor to Sir Ivo Rigby. There are
effectively 3 candidates. Mr Justice Briggs, Mr Justice Blair-Kerr
and the possibility of an extension in office of Sir Ivo Rigby.
The Governor has recommended (Hong Kong telegrams Nos 114 and 115)
(2) (3) that Mr Justice Blair-Kerr, who will reach retiring age this year,
Flag G
(
should be appointed if the age limit laid down under the Letters
Fatent can be extended from 62 to 65. He would not wish to extend
the age limit in the interests of Sir Ivo Rigby. If no extension
is possible he has recommended Mr Justice Briggs.
11. Sir Duncan Watson and the Legal Advisers have concluded that
the age rule should not be changed unless there are serious doubts
about the suitability of the younger candidate and the older candi-
date is substantially better. They do not consider that this is
the case in the present instance. They therefore recommend the
appointment of Mr Justice Briggs. A curriculum vitae of
Mr Justice Briggs is attached.
12. In reaching the above conclusion we have taken into account
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
/the