CONFIDENTIAL
+ W/160
(vi)
Measures affecting the Hong Kong textile industry could lead to adverse criticism which might affect a British bid for the power station. As a free port, Hong Kong had no power to protect its textile industry, which took about 40% of CL & P's power output.
Mr Williams told Sir Lawrence that the CEGB technical team had just returned from Hong Kong after a very satisfactory visit. There was much to follow-up, and he thought that September would be the best time to make the presentation. Sir Lawrence was anxious to ensure that British expertise remained available to service the project, for he had limited faith in his own 'experts' in Hong Kong. Mr Lippitt assured him that CEGB would act for CL & P in this regard from now until 5 years after the installation as part of the basic package. Mr Lippitt did not think it vital that Sir Lawrence should be in Hong Kong for the presentation, but we would keep him informed of progress wherever he was in the world.
John Miles
JOHN MILLS PS/Mr Williams 26 July 1977
сс
PS/Secretary of State PS/Secretary
Mr Lippitt
Mr Clark
Mr Macdonald
CONFIDENTIAL
2