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e)
6.
New Appointments to LegCo
During the Governor's last visit Lord Goronwy Roberts confirmed his belief in the need to constitutionally widen the social representa- tion in LegCo. The Governor accepted this but emphasised the difficulty of finding suitable candidates.
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7. The question of Leung's command of English and the possibility of his attendance at a Trade Union Course, coupled with English lessons, was raised at the last meeting. The OLA has written to Hong Kong, who
have replied that in their view Mr Leung is too old and too far removed from day to day Trade Union activities for a Trade Union Course to be appropriate, and his command of English is of such a standard that he could well feel insulted if offered lessons.
f)
Social Security
8. Serious reservations about the new contributory scheme were raised at the last meeting. We have discussed it with Mr Heppell of DHSS and the OLA agreed that the present commitment was such as could reasonably be expected for now. Mr Murray wrote in January to the Governor, at Lord Goronwy Roberts request, to emphasise the importance we attach to this scheme, and our desire that it should be extended as soon as possible to include other benefits.
g) OLA
9. As agreed at the November meeting Mr Hurst will be in Hong Kong during the time of this meeting.
h)
10.
Education
The last meeting reviewed the significant improvements in Education which have already been achieved and suggested that our help could now best be offered in improving quality. You have written to Hong Kong suggesting the loan of HMI who could provide an objective assessment of the educational system.
i)
Housing
11. When they met in November Lord Goronwy Roberts complemented the Governor on the progress being made in this field.
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j) The Value of Hong Kong to the UK
12. The Economist Department have produced an estimate which suggests that overall the Colony is a slight burden to the UK. The area of
major disagreement is the value of Kai Tak. The methodology used
by us and the value urged from it was sent to Hong Kong for comment derived and we have just received their reply in which they reject both. We are continuing discussions.
k)
DS Secondments
13. This was raised with the Governor and the idea of a Grade 4 Chef de Cabinet, about which he was less than enthusiastic, is now being incorporated into a wider scheme of reciprocal secondments which is under preparation.
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