See Note
·
: ۲۰۰
J4/3
(67)
34
Magarris [HKO S40/4
- for action on x1.
12/2
Mr
Jaul, HKD
RECEIVEI
DES
*MIDEX
7
From: PS/Lord Caithness
Date:
Cc:
12 February 1991
Private Secretary PS/Mr Lennox-Boyd Mr McLaren
Mr Burns Miss Spencer PRU
X
HONG KONG: FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (FAC)
He
1. Lord Caithness had a chat with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) last night about the Committee's current interest in Hong Kong. Mr Howell said that the FAC was not conducting a formal inquiry. Rather it was updating itself informally on current Hong Kong issues. Its particular interests at present were PADS and the Nationality Act. would be taking advantage of the presence in London of suitable visitors from Hong Kong to invite them to give evidence. He doubted that the FAC would ask the Secretary of State or Lord Caithness to give evidence. Nor did he think that more much more would be required from the FCO in terms of written briefing. However, he would welcome updates from the Office from time to time as the situation required.
2. Lord Caithness believes that we should take the initiative in offering suitable material to Mr Howell from time to time. rather than waiting to be asked. He would be grateful if you could bear this requirement in mind. One issue that Mr Howell told Lord Caithness that some members of the FAC were already taking an interest in is the possible shortfall in applications for British passports under the Nationality package. Lord Caithness thinks that we should, in any case, be preparing Question and Answer briefing on this for use in Parliament and by News Department. A copy could also be passed on a confidential basis to Mr Howell.
Ret. Tim
Peter Tibber
PS/Lord Caithness
12 February 1991