TNAG-0214-FCO40-250-Proposals-for-appointment-of-a-ombudsman-in-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 82

Our reference: A 13/16/67 Your reference: HKK 1/8

OFFICE OF THE

PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER

A W Gaminara Esq CMG

Hong Kong Department

Church House, Great Smith Street

LONDON S.W.I

Telephone: 01-799 6551, ext. 384

13 August 1970

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Downing Street

London SW1

Dan Gamiana

งา

21

Thank you for your further letter of 10 August about the possible appointment in Hong Kong of a Commissioner for Administration.

-

I do not think I need try to repeat the substance of my talks with Denys Roberts in 1968 and Primrose last year, nor the PCA's talk with the Governor; and Laird can tell you of my recent discussion with him. But you have asked for any further comments on the draft Bill which you sent me in March 1969, and I have therefore discussed the matter again with the PCA. He notes that, as I said last year, the draft follows the New Zealand model in important respects, notably in not linking the Commissioner with Members of the Legislature in the way that is done in this country. The PCA thinks that in this country the British arrangement has worked well. Conditions may well be different in Hong Kong and it is not for this Office to advise on the desirability of transplanting this particular feature of the British institution. But, as Compton said to the Governor, if it is desired to build up the status of Unofficial Members, there may be attractions in the idea that complaints must be routed through them. (If members of the public are given the option of complaining either direct or else through a Member of the Legislature, we believe they will almost invariably choose the direct approach).

1271=

Our only general comment is that it is vitally important that the load of work descending on the Commissioner in the first months of his appointment is kept within such bounds that his Office does not get choked with work. This has a bearing on the public relations aspect which the Governor stressed in his discussion with the PCA. The dilemma is that if your Commissioner's range is wide his Office may be swamped, and if it is narrow he may be criticised as an inadequate remedy, - in fact an Ombudsmouse!

NiG

14.

8.20

HKK 1/8

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