TNAG-0281-FCO40-317-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster-to-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 179

Defence Contribution (£5 million per annum 1966/1971)

The amount of Hong Kong's future contribution towards the upkeep

of the garrison will be considered when the existing Defence

Contribution Agreement (which expires in 1971) is renegotiated,

Scale of Social Services in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Government have allocated 40% of their revenus

to social services, including health and education, for the

financial year 1970/71. This is a remarkable figure, although

there is of course always room for further improvements,

Possibility of loan from HU10 for extension of the runway at

Kal Tak Airport

It is true that British aviat on interests are equally concerned

to see that Kai Tak Airport is maintained to adequate international

standards. The new Government in the United Kingdom is at present

looking into many problems such as this, but the United Kingdom

economy has still some way to go before it can be regarded as

satisfactory, and we shall have to consider carefully all the

demands on our resources.

Appointment of the next Governor of Hong Kong

An announcement has only recently been made about the further

extension (until October 1971) of the term of office of Sir David

Trench. The question of who is to succeed Sir David will be

considered in the normal manner.