CONFIDENTIAL
DUBLIN
16.
Mr Simms confirmed that the works were now underway and there were no major problems.
HONG KONG
17. Mr Simms said the current project cost estimate is now £28.45 million (previously £27.56m): the increase is mainly due to the exchange rate (which, however, might change again in our favour). The new estimate is still within the PES figure of £29m. Mr Simms pointed out that Treasury approval for this project was being sought in stages. A submission to the Treasury for approval for the main contracts work is being prepared and will be submitted in the near future.
18. Mr Simms said the programme is slightly behind schedule but time will probably be made up. The revised programme is now:
February 1994 April 1994 September 1994
March 1996
1 July 1996
Prepare tender documents
Go to tender for main works contract Start on site on main works Construction completion dates Occupation
19. Mr Simms said a meeting had been held on 9 November when Security Department and ESD saw the latest plans. Mr Whittle, OED, is visiting Hong Kong 15 - 19 November and will pass Security Department's and ESD's comments on to the Consultant Architects. Revised drawings will incorporate the agreed changes.
20. As an additional point of interest on Hong Kong Mr Simms said that a political decision is likely to be taken to accommodate the British Chamber of Commerce in a self-contained suite on the Commercial floor (level 6) of the Consulate General wing. Mr Simms added that Mr Cook, Security Department, has agreed to the proposed location.
21. Mr Fitzpatrick said he had been asked the SLO to raise the problem of overlooking of the offices. He said that there were very large windows in the proposed offices which would be easily overlooked by at least two hotels. Mr Newey said the plans had not changed much from the original proposal and had been agreed with interested parties. It was agreed by all that there was a problem with overlooking in Hong Kong but that it was difficult to avoid it in such a built up area. Mr Fitzpatrick suggested that Security Department ought perhaps to address this problem. He had written to Mr Cook, Security Department, and was still awaiting a reply: [NB: Mr Cook has since replied to Mr Fitzpatrick.]
22.
Mr Wallace asked about the satellite equipment and location. He said that Mr Len Williams, ESD, had visited Hong Kong 2 months
CONFIDENTIAL
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