CODE 18-77
SS 10/76
RESTRICTED.
HKX 413/1 in Davi
RALA
Mr X246
Reference.
The Stower is note ber my HK briefing
Mr Quantrill K247
INDEX
lattuated in
SATION
me proping
71%.
HONG KONG COMPUTERISATION OF PERSONAL DATA
работ
1. As Mr Stewart will know, Ian Lightbody spent a fortnight in London this month studying the use of computers in govern- mental institutions. I have now seen a memorandum for discussion in Executive Council on 20 September (folio 22) which may well be related to Mr Lightbody's visit, although he does not appear to have attended the meeting.
2.
The assimilation of personal information by an all- embracing governmental system clearly has sinister undertones, as the memorandum itself admits (paragraph 12). At present the memorandum points towards the setting up of no more than a study group, and while paragraph 17 contests that there are no direct public relations implications, it may well be use- ful to keep an eye on the development of the issue.
3. I would recommend that the department should send a short letter to Mr Lightbody asking him about the success of his visit to London, together with a note enquiring of the progress of the Executive Council discussions. Instead Mr Stewart might like to raise the subject briefly with Mr Lightbody during his visit to Hong Kong in October.
26 September 1977
MJ Upton
Hong Kong & General Dept
a
It seems to me that we are being hept as well informed as we need to be about developments on this subject, and I doubt therfore whether there is any need for letter. But if you do meet to hightbody ding your vin't to Hong Kong, it would probably be worth reminding him that we are interested to know how things we pogressing following lisvist
RESTRICTED
W. Chantall
2879.