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take part in the CPA's annual programme of visits (it has been included for 1977) but that in the case of the CPA's seminars on parliamentary practice and procedure, about which Sir Y K particularly complained, preference is normally given to countries/ territories with elected legislatives. Sir Y K has not reverted to the matter since the beginning of the year.
Line to Take
If Sir Y K Kan raises the matter, the Minister could point out that the CPA is an independent body and while it is ready to listen to advice from us it takes its own decisions. He could also say that he understands that members of the Hong Kong Branch of the CPA are regularly invited to take part in the CPA's Annual Conference and visits programme.
V.
"Interference" by HMG (Defensive)
There has been criticism over the past year in Hong Kong, occasionally heard in quarters close to the Hong Kong Government, that labour and social policies have been imposed by an "interfering" British Government, that they are incompatible with Hong Kong's best interests and that their main aim is not so much to improve Hong Kong's social conditions as to reduce her competitiveness viskà
vis the UK.
Line to Take
There is, of course, a contiming dialogue between the UK and Hong Kong Governments about how the two governments can best discharge their responsibilities for the welfare of the population of Hong Kong, but nothing has actively been imposed on Hong Kong.
VI. Hong Kong/UK Trade (Defensive)
The UK trade deficit with Hong Kong has increased markedly in recent years with the UK's share of the Hong Kong market decreasing
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