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(iii) Labour Advisory Board papers (sub-paragraph 2b of the minutes of the last meeting): the meeting expressed regret that the Hong Kong Government had not seen its way to allowing the Overseas Labour Adviser access to these papers;
(iv) The two-way secondment project (paragraph 1d of the minutes of the last meeting): some difficulties were being encountered on the question of the terms of service for Diplomatic Service officers to be seconded to the Hong Kong Government. The meeting noted Lord Goronwy-Roberts' view that the project was important and, in particular, that officers seconded to the Hong Kong Government should be of high calibre; and
(v) Public Service Matters (paragraph 3 of Part III of the record of Lord Goronwy-Roberts' meeting with the Governor): the meeting expressed some misgiving about certain aspects of the Hong Kong Government's personnel management. It was felt that, on occasion, the relevant civil service regulations had not been applied with sufficient flexibility. The cases of Mr Madren and Inspector Kent were mentioned. It was agreed that Mr Murray and Mr Stewart would raise this matter when they were in Hong Kong in March.
3. Agenda Item (b): Hong Kong Budget for 1977/78.
The meeting recalled that Lord Goronwy-Roberts was expecting the Governor to let him have a preview of the budget three weeks in advance of its being announced (paragraph 6 of Part II of Lord Goronwy-Roberts' meeting with the Governor). Budget Day was 2 March and it was assumed that the Governor would soon be in touch with Lord Goronwy-Roberts. (Note: the budget preview arrived on 10 February.)
4. Agenda Item (c): Professor Turner's Study of Labour Relations in Hong Kong
Subject to confirmation by Ministers it was agreed that in accordance with a written undertaking given by the Secretary of State to the Secretary-General of the TUC in May 1976, copies of Professor Turner's study should be sent to the International Committee of the TUC and the CBI. The study could thereafter be discussed at the meeting of the Overseas Labour Consultative Committee scheduled for 29 April. It seemed likely that the TUC would favour an extension of the study, as suggested by Professor Turner himself. It was agreed that in advance of such a decision the possibility of ODM funding should be explored. The Governor had suggested informally that the Hong Kong Government might be prepared to contribute up to 50% of the total cost if the ODM would not meet it all. The Asian Centre for Social Studies might be another possible source of finance. It was noted that Professor Turner would wish to publish his report in due course. It was agreed that, if in the meantime there should be selective leaks of parts of the study, the FCO
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