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11.,
What are the reasons for reducing the strength of the garrison? Is it meant to be a friendly gesture to China? Or was the decision made solely in view of the current manpower and economic situation in Britain? Will the garrison be progressively withdrawn.
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We have no intention of abandoning Hong Kong. proposal to reduce the garrison was made bearing in mind both the minimum force level necessary to meet tite objectives of the garrison in liong Kong and the current manpower and economic situation in Britain. The size of the cuts will be the subject of consultations, but it is important that they should not be such as to endanger security. The arrangements are a matter for discussion between the governments but there will be no precipitate withdrawal.
12. Does the Minister consider it fair to ask Hong Kong to
shoulder a larger share of the defence bill when the strength of the garrison is to be reduced and when Hong Kong too is having its own economic difficulties?
I am aware of Hong Kong's present economic problems.
I also know how much the expanding programme of social services will cost and I support that expansion. But the position in Britain is also serious, and I do not think we are being unreasonable in asking Hong Kong to pay a larger share of the cost of its own internal security.'
WIDER PUBLIC REPRESENTATION IN TIDS MAGISLATIVE COUNCIL
13.
What are your views about enlarging the unofficial membership of the Legislative Council to include people who can speak for all levels of society, including those in the lower income bracket?
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Like the Governor, I consider it a desirable long term objective that the Legislative Council's membership should include people who can speak for all levels of society, mln litt dedin to down
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