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RDO COLLECTIVE : DISCUSSION ON HONG KONG
Mr Hobbs of NEDC said that there was no doubt that investment would come out of Hong Kong but the question was to where. Australia, W coast USA and Canada were obvious candidates. In all cases the passport issue was important. Company executives had to travel. The North East had lost Fang to the Republic of Ireland because six green passports had been offered. As a result the emigrants had all the benefits of the political arrangements between the UK and the Republic, including the vote, but the
Inward investment UK received none of the benefits of the investment. from Hong Kong was important and the passport issue should be dealt with on the basis of expediency.
Mr Morrison said he was already in touch with Mr Waddington of the Home Office about problems with Hong Kong. It would be helpful if instances of
He was aware of the passport problems could be brought to his attention.
The RDO's difficulties experienced with one company - should make contact through Mr Mingay of ID Division, DTI.
Yangstekiang.
Mr Hobbs believed he could produce 4 or 5 cases at present where the passport issue was causing problems. There needed to be an understanding on the passport issue so that the RDO's could speak authoritively to investors.
Mr Dell asked that the RDO's let the IBB know by the end of June the circumstances of individual cases where the passport issue was a problem - views and quotes. Mr Morrison added that after June he should be alerted immediately of further cases.
Mr Hobbs said we should look at the way Australia and Canada were dealing with the issue.
Dr Bridge thought the situation was analogous to past problems with the IDA when they were able to make a financial offer of assistance at an early stage to land a project whereas the RDO's could not. now offer passports.
The IDA could
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