HKB 182 13
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FROM:
A R Paul
Hong Kong Department
DATE: 30 January 1991
Cc:
Mr Burns
FILE
QD)
Mr McLaren
BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION/PADS: PROPOSED APPOINTMENT OF DTI CONSULTANT
1. I had lunch with Mr Smith-Laittan on 29 January, primarily to brief him on Hong Kong matters, prior to his forthcoming posting (he leaves for Hong Kong in a few days).
2.
Most of our discussion is not worth recording, although I should note that I was favourably impressed by Mr Smith- Laittan's knowledge and understanding of Hong Kong and his sensible approach to sensitive matters. I am sure that Mr Heap will find him a great asset.
3.
Mr Smith-Laittan did however raise with me Christian Adams' proposal to appoint an outside consultant to advise on commercial opportunities arising from the PADS project. He made it clear that he supported this idea. Speaking with the evident authority of COMED, he said that use of outside consultants was consistent with the FCO/DTI plans (approved by Ministers) to begin a process of privatising the FCO's commercial activities in some markets. His view was that if DTI had the money available, and were willing to spend it, we should not object. Politically, there would be advantage in being able to demonstrate that HMG has "put its money where its mouth was" as far as PADS was concerned.
4. I said that, like Mr Heap, my initial reaction was somewhat reserved. This proposal, coming within weeks of the Inspection of the BTC, was not without its ironies. But I took Mr Smith-Laittan's points and agreed that it would be difficult for us to object to this DTI initiative if they were willing to pay for it. I added (and Mr Smith-Laittan entirely agreed) that it would be essential for the consultant to reside (and to be seen to reside) under the BTC umbrella and under Mr Heap's overall control. Communications with the DTI should be through BTC channels. In that way, would be better able to coordinate and oversee the consultant's activities. I also pointed out that the proposal to acquire additional office space for the BTC in the Bank of America Tower would ensure that the consultant could be properly accommodated.
BODADX
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