RESTRICTED
Mr Youde
Parliamentary Unit
HONG KONG:
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
1. Mr Ray Carter MP (Labour, Birmingham Northfield) has put down
a question for written answer on 21 March to ask the Secretary of
State if he will institute an enquiry into the internal affairs of
Hong Kong.
2. During the last Parliament some MPs pressed for external
commissions of inquiry into corruption in Hong Kong, and into the
There have also been
application of ILO conventions to the colony.
suggestions originating from Justice (The International Commission
of Jurists), for an external investigation into the administration
of justice in Hong Kong.
The
No
3. The pressure for an enquiry into corruption arose mainly from
the departure from Hong Kong of ex-Chief Superintendent Godber
when he was under notice to explain how he came by financial
resources disproportionate to his salary as a police officer.
possession of such unexplained resources is an offence under
Section 10 of the Hong Kong Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
external enquiry was instituted, but the Governor appointed
Sir Alastair Blair-Kerr, the Senior Puisne Judge, to conduct an
investigation into the matter. Sir Alastair submitted two reports,
as a result of which action has been taken on a number of matters.
These include the establishment of an Independent Commission Against
Corruption responsible only to the Governor.
RESTRICTED
14.
RESTRICTED
4.
On the question of the application of ILO conventions, we
we are
submitting separately in reply to Parliamentary questions by
Mr J Sillars.
5. As regards the judicial system, we have had representations
from Lord Gardiner in his capacity as Chairman of the UK branch
of Justice and are in touch with the Governor about the next steps.
6. A further internal question that has recently been
investigated is the general framework of the Hong Kong central
administration.
For this the Governor appointed a firm of
consultants, McKinsey's.
being acted upon.
Their report has been received and is
7. To suggest that Hong Kong are incapable of putting their own
house in order where necessary would be very strongly resented and
would affect confidence in the colony; nor do I believe that any
externally appointed commission of enquiry is needed at the present
time.
8. I accordingly submit a negative answer to Mr Carter's question,
which reserves the Minister's right to take action after review if
he thinks it right, but which should not alarm Hong Kong.
20 March 1974
RESTRICTED
Desa
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
20/3
i