TNAG-0279-FCO40-315-Visit-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Aff-1970 — Page 81

CONFIDENTIAL

Brief No.12

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG

APRIL 1970

Appointment of a Farliamentary Commissioner

for Administration (Ombudsman) in Hong Kong

Speaking Notes

It is the cpinion of the Governor and his advisers

opinion which I share

P

an

that steps should first be taken to

strengthen the machinery which already exists for enabling

the people cf Hong Kong to make known and seek redress for their

Grievances.

2. This in no way rules out the possibility of consideration

being given in the future to the appointment of an Ombudsman.

The machinery which I have in mind includes the City District

Officer scheme; the "Ward" system of the Urban Council and the

Office of the Unofficial Members of Executive and Legislative

Councils (UMELCO).

3. These arrangements are, of course, in addition to the well

recognised system of dealing with grievances and complaints

from members of the public by way of Questions in the

Legislative Council and by petitions to the Governor and to me.

4. It is true that a draft Bill providing for the creation of

a post of Ombudsman was prepared in Hong Kong last year; but I

understand that the Bill was no more than a working document

intended to indicate what would be involved in the creation of

such an office. It was not intended for publication.

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CONFIDENTIAL