CONFIDENTIAL
9.
(c)
establishment of a Select Committee in
Parliament to oversee Hong Kong affairs.
It was
Mr Blaker said that Hong Kong should not be concerned about the recent visit. The three Members did not carry weight at Westminster. Nor had they come to learn. He concluded from the low turn out in recent elections that there was not much demand in Hong Kong for the changes they proposed. true that the Government intended to increase Select Committee activity. There would be one on foreign affairs but it was unlikely to establish a sub-committee on Hong Kong. Hong Kong would not be a high priority. However the Government could not dispute or control the activities of Select Committees.
the
10. Sir Jack Cater said that MPs' visit created some concern among the expatriate population and some excitement among small groups of young people who had been educated overseas. The majority of the Chinese population had viewed the visit with indifference and a certain amount of cynicism.
11.
Mr Blaker asked about arrangements in hearing public complaints. Sir Jack Cater said that the CDO system had grown substantially since it was first introduced 10 years ago. The Government's policy was to expand their services. Mr F K Li added that the UMELCO groups dealing with complaints against the Police and complaints against the ICAC were working well and that there was public approval of their performance.
12. On the proposal for a wholly elected Urban Council, Sir Jack Cater stressed that the appointed members of the Council work hardest and achieved results.
13. The Governor said it was important to discourage proposals for constitutional change. The Government would explore alternative means of seeking public consent.
SAI LAU KOK
14.
The Governor said that Mr Blaker would be briefed before the Press Conference.
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
15. Mr Morgan described developments since the Geneva meeting. The departure rate was now improving. It had reached 3,500 in September and would be 3,000 - 4,000 per month for the rest of the year.
Vice President Mondale's visit had not produced any concrete results, but a few minor countries, such as Argentina, New Zealand and Italy, were beginning to take small numbers from Hong Kong.
16. The Governor said that only next year, when Hong Kong would be seen to have distinctly more refugees than any other country, would there be a real improvement in the departure rate.
/The Governor
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CONFIDENTIAL