be included in the paper on our policy with regard to Hong Kong in relation to the grant. Paragraph 25 of the paper was in fact re-drafted to present a stronger political case (Flag E). It may be that we shall have to elaborate in greater detail.
Subparagraph 2(5): Mr Roya's statement.
Despite an extensive search I have not been able to locate a copy of the text of Mr Royal's statement. Mr White said that this was not vital, but to append a copy would have been desirable.
Subparagraph 2(6): Visit of education adviser.
I saw PC (73) minute 15 paragraph 1 (Flag F) for the first time last week and was not aware of the Projects Committee's agreement that the submission would be looked at again only after a visit to Hong Kong by an education adviser or by someone from TETOC. The Hon Christopher Hankey from TETOC did in fact visit Hong Kong in November last year, but no mention of the grant is made in his report (Flag G). Mr White's view on this is that a visit must be made and the conclusions of such a visit be inserted in the paper. He felt that a much stronger case should be made for choosing the areas that had been selected for assistance and that a visit would serve to achieve this.
Subparagraph 2(7): Cost estimates.
I explained to Mr White that it was understood by Hong Kong that a total of £0.5 million was available. I discussed this very point with Mr Burton, the librarian of the Polytechnic, on Tuesday. We agreed, since all the equipment is required by the end of next year and in view of the fact that book orders would probably continue for four years, that the simplest way to finance any cost overrun on equipment would be to abate the amount allocated for books by the amount of the overrun. Mr White thought such an arrangement would be acceptable and that this should be explained fully in the paper.
Subparagraph 2(8): Installation and maintenance.
I have touched on this in paragraph 2(2).
This is
a matter that could be fully investigated by whoever makes a visit, paragraph 2(6).
Subparagraph 2(9):
Financing.
I explained to Mr White that it was very difficult to forecast with any accuracy actual expenditure on the grant in the current year or in any of the four succeeding years, since although we know the equipment is required by the end of 1976, there are always unpredictable delays in delivery for enumerable reasons. However, I said we would do our best.
Subparagraph 2(10)