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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY
Alexander Fleming House, Elephant & Castle, London SE1'6BY
Telephone 01-407 5522
From the Minister of State for Social Security and the Disabled
Tim Flesher Esq Private Secretary 10 Downing Street London SW1
Anter
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026/2
6 October 1982
see (128)
Dear Tim
an panzallo
PROPOSED VISIT BY MR HUGH ROSSI MP TO HONG KONG 4-8 NOVEMBER 1982
Mr Rossi and his wife have recently received a formal invitation to attend the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled in Hong Kong from 4-8 November. The invitation came from Dr Harry Fang, Chairman of Rehabilitation International, whom Mr Rossi met at several seminars for the disabled during the International Year for Disabled People, and most recently during the presentation of the Charter for the Eighties to the Prime Minister. Mr and Mrs Rossi have been specifically invited to officiate at the closing ceremony of the games on 7 November (the opening ceremony will be performed by the Duke and Duchess of Kent on 31 October). A short programme of visits will also be arranged, including visits to rehabilitation facilities in Hong Kong. I understand that the invitation has been endorsed by Sir Edward Youde, Governor of Hong Kong, who has invited Mr and Mrs Rossi to stay at Government House during their visit.
The Secretary of State has agreed in principle to this visit to Hong Kong and I am now writing to seek approval for the visit. Mr Rossi would like to be accompanied by myself as his private secretary.
Mrs Rossi may be prevented by other commitments from accepting the invitation but would like if possible to attend. As the principle focus of the invitation is to attend a public and ceremonial occasion (rather than, say, a meeting or conference) Mr Rossi feels that it might be appropriate for her to attend in an "official" capacity. He has seen the relevant procedural rules and has asked me to enquire whether on this occasion the Prime Minister would consider it in order for Mrs Rossi's travelling expenses to be met from public funds should she be able to go.
I am copying this letter to John Holmes (FCO), Richard Hatfield (Cabinet Office) and Murdo Maclean (Chief Whips Office).
1
Yours ever,
"Chris
CHRIS EVANS
Private Secretary