Governor's Tax Position
Q.
A.
Q.
Governor should pay tax?
Have to put myself in the position of bystander although admittedly a mildly interested bystander on this subject. When I was appointed, I had no discussion or negotiation at all on the question of my remuneration. I accepted the appointment with enthusiasm and was simply advised of the terms that went with it. The Prime Minister has just announced the outline of the arangements affecting the Queen's tax position. As I understand it, a full memorandum
on this will be made available in the New Year. It
will be for others to decide in the light of this memorandum whether there are implications for the tax position of Governors of dependent territories, including Hong Kong. For myself, just as I had no say in my present terms and conditions of service, I would propose to have no say in whether or not there
should be changes to them.
But who are these 'others'? Who will take the
decision on this?
A.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will clearly have a view since they have overall responsibility within HMG for gubernational appointments to dependent territories. The Hong Kong Administration will no doubt have a view, too. But, I repeat, that I will have no say personally in the issue.