Classification
Caveat
ProederLE
CONFIDENTIAL
[HK3ADM]
IMMEDIATE
1
ZCZ C
2
CONFIDENTIAL
T
3
4
FM FCO
5
6
7
TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG
TELNO
OF 04110OZ SEPTEMBER 85
8
9
INFO IMMEDIATE PEKING
10
11
12
FROM HK D
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
1.
We
YOUR TELNO 1737: HONG KONG AGREEMENT: ANNUAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT
We have consulted the Secretary of State about the proposed format for the annual report to Parliament set
Alan Scott's Letter of 28 June. He is concerned that if we follow these proposals we will end up with a long report (about 150 pages), made up largely of previously published material. would run
run a serious risk of Parliamentary criticism for serving up an indigestible, and in some cases out of date collection of already available documents. Ministers could be criticised for not taking the trouble to report personally to Parliament.
2=
In order to avoid this criticism, he would prefer to expand the introduction and to make it into the main body of the report. This could be about 15 to 20 pages long and include a general summary of the events of the year. It might take the following form:
27
28
(a)
29
Introduction to the report stating its purpose (to inform Parliament) and a description of its parts;
File number
ONAL
Catchword:
(b)
Dept
Drafted by (Block capitals)
Telephone no
HK D
JN POWELL
233 3918
Date/time
Authorised for Initials
despatch by:
For COD use only
Comcen reference
Telegram number
Processed by
XY 48 (REV)