Parliamentary Unit
CONFIDENTIAL
PQS HONG KONG
1. I submit draft replies and background notes to 2 written
PQs put down by Mr Robin Cook MP.
2. The answers are based on information supplied by the Hong Kong
Government. The reply they suggested to the Question on disciplinary
action against Police Officers was 'In appropriate cases administrative
action is being taken'. Although they provided general information
on this, the details of which are in the background note, it is not
clear what 'administrative action' means and to use it in a reply.
would certainly prompt further more specific questions designed to
establish what disciplinary measures the Police intend.
3. I therefore recommend that the answer should be 'Examination of
this matter is continuing and action, including reference to the
Complaints Against the Police Office, is being taken in appropriate
cases'.
3. The draft reply is factually correct. Some cases are still under
The 13 officers concerned were named in the Report
consideration.
of the Commission of Inquiry. To say that certain action was being
taken against a specific number of them would lead to speculation
as to their identity. On the other hand it would be right to mention
the use of the Complaints Against the Police procedures.
4. We have not been able to clear the draft answer with the Hong
Kong Government in the time available. The Hong Kong Commissioner
in London has, however, been consulted and agrees.
•
Include
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
17 December 1981
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News Department Mr Donald
CONFIDENTIAL