TNAG-0429-FCO40-494-Programme-Analysis-and-Review-(PAR)-Future-of-Dependent-Terr-1974 — Page 112

C

A

The

5. It is difficult to know where to suggest cuts. British Council, at £43,433, is perhaps the most obvious target. As you have pointed out, its function in an English speaking place is limited. But it is a modest

operation in Hong Kong. It does provide visible British presence.

Its withdrawal would presumably be taken as a sign of dis-interest in Hong Kong by HMG. I recollect that the Council closed its offices in the Caribbean shortly before I went there. There was some lingering resentment, but probably not very much real harm done. The Information Officer in the High Commission undertook British Council "residual residence" as part of his job.

Amitas

6. The other obvious target would be the Regional Information Office. Again, we are not its main client. You will recollect that its continuation was debated in recent correspondence, and the conclusion was that it should continue. Personally, I should be reluctant to see it closed down, but if we had to suggest cuts, I can think of no easier victim. I suspect, however, that there would be others in Whitehall who would rally to its defence.

7. Since the functions of the Trade Commission are strictly limited and defined, I see no scope for cuts there. The Inspectors regularly check the staffing requirements, and I do not think either the Trade Commission or the administ- rative function could be reduced. The information effort is minimal: one grade 7 and two LE's. As you know, the pressure on us is to increase the role of the Trade Commission, and particularly its information section, rather than to let it diminish.

BIOT

8.

The Par Report (page 119) indicated that, if the plantations were successfully run down and the Nordvaer disposed of, BIOT should produce a local surplus for the region of £1,300. However, the revised estimates for 1973/ 1974 show a loss of £35,417. This is explained in Mr Hinton's letter of 16 January to Mr Arnold in the Treasury. The expenditure results mainly from losses made on the Nordvaer. We are of course under pressure to dispose of the vessel anyway.

Seychelles

9.

There is practically no FCO (Whitehall) expenditure except for the new Grade 9 in the Governor's office, and also the Governor's PA whose emoluments etc are charged to the BIOT vote. There seems to be no scope for pruning here.

R B Crowson