MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE
HCB 020113
15 JU
I
FROM: D A Drake
Parliamentary Relations Unit
DATE: 13 June 1988
cc: Mr Hum, HKD
Mr Prendergast, SAFD
Mr Adam, SEAD
Mr Young, MED
PS/Mr Eggar Mr Neubert
All PPSS
Mr Teasdale
Mr Fergusson
Miss Pestell
Mr Machin, ODA
18
+PA
REN 1416
Cro 13/
MINUTES OF THE PARLIAMENTARY LIAISON GROUP 9 JUNE 1988
Present:
Mr Eggar Mr Neubert
Mr Harris Mr Knight
Apologies: Mr Mechin
1.
Miss Pestell
Mr Key
Mr Makepeace
Mr Holt
Mr Drake
The prospect of famine in Vietnam and the continuing problems of Cambodia are causing some concern to members. Mr Eggar stressed the importance of ensuring that we take every opportunity to clearly explain our policy towards both countries.
2.
The forthcoming Mandela pop concert and the recent BBC television programme "Suffer Little Children" are likely to provoke a flurry of questions on South Africa. A recent meeting of the British/South Africa Group had been addressed by representatives of the BBC. Some members had expressed irritation at the continuing reference by BBC and ITN correspondents to their reports being subject to Government restrictions. Why did reports from other countries eg Eastern Europe not carry similar caveats?
3. There is considerable unease amongst Parliamentarians about the current visit of the Iranian delegation. It was agreed that MED should be asked to produce a note for the Whip's Office which clearly explains the background to the discussions.
4.
Concern was expressed about the increase in Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong. The forthcoming visit of Martin Lee is likely to focus further attention on the problem.
DD1ACZ
MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE