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(a) the functions and scope of duties of the Liaison Office;
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(b) the criteria to be adopted by the Liaison Office for determining which categories of information on the Government and government officials will be provided to the Preparatory Committee; and
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(c) the criteria to be adopted by the Liaison Office for providing the necessary practical assistance to the Preparatory Committee and the Chief Executive (Designate)?
Reply:
The Liaison Office will be the designated channel of communication between the Hong Kong Government and the Preparatory Committee: Where, in the course of its work, the Preparatory Committee requires information or assistance from Policy Branches and Departments, the Liaison Office will provide a central point of contact for the Committee, and will manage the process within the Hong Kong Government.
:
The Liaison Office will be part of the Hong Kong Government, and will be headed by the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs and staffed by civil servants. It will report directly to the Chief Secretary and the Governor. Details regarding the operation of the Liaison Office are still being worked out. We have already approached the Chinese side to take forward discussions on the types of assistance which the Preparatory Committee will require.
In co-operating with the Preparatory Committee and, in due course, the Chief Executive (Designate), we will ensure;
(a) that the authority and credibility of the Hong Kong Government to
administer the territory until 30 June 1997 are not compromised;
(b) that the arrangements for co-operation are fully consistent with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, and are in the interests of Hong Kong; and (c) that the morale and confidence of the Civil Service are not affected.
End/Thursday, November 2, 1995