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should seek to arrange immediate publication. It was noted that interest in the introduction in Hong Kong of minimum wage legislation, one issue touched on in Professor Turner's study, was growing and that this, in UK political terms, was a key issue.
5.
Agenda Item (d): Proposal to Second a DS Grade 4 Officer to Hong Kong.
The Governor's recent letter to the Head of Hong Kong Department suggesting ways in which this matter might be pursued was noted. While POD had said that they could supply the Governor with a list of five or six candidates, it was acknowledged that more work needed to be done on the terms of service for the seconded officer.
6. Agenda Item (e): Progress Reports from Hong Kong.
The meeting recorded its appreciation of the helpful reports that had been submitted by the Hong Kong Government. There was some discussion on the quality and quantity of the provision of secondary education in Hong Kong. The Committee took the view, subject to confirmation by the Hong Kong Government, that the secondary education programme was slipping either on account of delays in school building or a shortage of teachers. Once the facts were known, the possibilities of UK expert assistance might be considered.
7.
Agenda Item (f): Relations between the Hong Kong Government and the Banks.
The meeting was informed that the Bank of England saw no need to offer any fresh advice to the Hong Kong Government at present on this matter. It was noted that opinion in Hong Kong was moving towards the possible establishment of some sort of central monetary institution in Hong Kong.
8.
Agenda Item (g): Any other Business.
The following subjects were raised:
(a) Mr Robert Parry MP: the meeting expressed its concern at the cost, to both the UK and Hong Kong Governments, of supplying answers to the Parliamentary Questions being tabled by Mr Parry. It was agreed that Ministers should be apprised of the situation;
i (b) public opinion in Hong Kong: the meeting expressed
concern at the spate of recent press criticism in Hong Kong concerning the Government's programme of labour and social reforms and the accompanying allegations about British "interference". The Governor himself was obviously doing everything possible to put matters in perspective but the view was expressed that the new Unofficial Members of LegCo, for example, might do more. The important thing was that the
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