Present :
CONFIDENTIAL
HE The Governor
Mr R D Clift
CS
FS
SHA
SNT
S for I PA PS/GH
White Paper on District Administration
Mr Clift said that he understood that a
copy of the Exco Paper on broad proposals for the White Paper had been sent to the FCO and that Mr MacPherson was following this up with a telegram on the decision. However, he wanted to be clear on the timing now proposed.
2.
Sir Jack Cater said that he would be discussing this with Unofficials and would seek agreement to issuing the draft White Paper to them on 29th or 30th December, at which time it would also be sent to the FCO. Provided Unofficials agreed it would be published early in the New
Year.
The Governor explained that speed was dictated by the unfortunate coincidence of the Urban Council election and the need to provide a public case for the legislation amending the electoral system which would go to first reading on 16th January.
3.
Mr Clift was happy with the proposed timing as it would allow Mr Blaker to say, if asked, that he had seen the White Paper in draft. The Governor felt that there was no merit in Mr Blaker speaking too early on the White Paper as it would give the unhelpful impression that it was the result of UK pressure.
CONFIDENTIAL