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concern, in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, the Governor set up a
judicial Commission of Inquiry on MacLennan's death. It would be
inappropriate to comment until its investigations are complete.
OVERSEAS STUDENTS' FEES
7. Her Majesty's Government decided in 1979 that they could no
longer afford to subsidise the fees paid by overseas students
(excepting those from the European Community) in the United Kingdom.
There is a good deal of concern about this in Hong Kong, and there
is evidence that large numbers of Hong Kong students who may
otherwise have come to the United Kingdom have applied for North
American courses. The Secretary of State decided earlier this year
not to pursue the case for exemption for Dependent Territory students.
The Hong Kong Government have now announced their own means-tested
loan scheme for Hong Kong students on first-degree or equivalent
courses in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the DES and FCO are
monitoring the consequences of the fees decision.
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
8. On 14 January, the Hong Kong Government published its White Paper
on District Administration, intended to widen the existing means of
community participation and consultation. Under the proposals, the
present District Advisory Boards in the New Territories would be
renamed District Boards, and similar Boards would be established in
the Urban Area, but with narrower terms of reference so as to avoid
impingeing on the powers of the Urban Council. The District
Management system, already operated in one District, would be extended
to all Districts. Anyone over the age of 21 with a minimum of 7 years'
residence in Hong Kong would be entitled to vote and elections for
the Boards and the Urban Council would be on a constituency basis.
Legislation will be passed on this later this year, with a view to
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