on the role and need for Royal Navy patrol craft, as opposed to more Hong Kong Government vessels. Furthermore, since we will be paying 3/4 of the cost it might be asked why the vessels should be built in the UK rather than in Hong Kong, bearing in mind the belief that UK shipyards have a reputation for industrial disputes and delayed delivery dates. It might also be asked why the vessels will still belong to the Royal Navy and whether they can be removed from Hong Kong for use elsewhere by the MOD; The announcement and background briefing will cover these matters.
Advice sought
15
Honourable Members will be asked to advise whether approval in principle should be given to the proposal in paragraph 11 that a design and build tender system for 5 vessels, subject to the provision of the necessary funds by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council.
(The Secretary for Security (Mr L. M. DAVIES), and the Captain-in-Charge (Captain R.W. MOLAND RN) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).
23rd November 1978
(SCR 6/57 IV)
COUNCIL CHAMBER
C.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL