CONFIDENTIAL Conect 6 HICKSS)
Mr O'Keeffe HKIOD, K 246
Mr Highn
Mr Wollin
To sam,
R & R
Some off
the information required many
not be on
files.
Lord Goronwy-Roberts has seen the section of Mr McNally's report to the Secretary of State on the meeting of the Labour Party International Committee dealing with Hong Kong. He has minuted as follows:
"The Secretary of State is aware of my own
assessment - the need this year at least to proceed in Hong Kong rather cautiously but in view of the NEC initiative, I think we should spell out de novo for him the full argument on economic and financial policy.
On the wages paid on British flag ships, I would like the facts and the responsibility set out clearly. My impression is that these rates are not statutorily decided by Hong Kong but by industrial negotiation.
On ILO implementation, the record comparatively with neighbouring countries, needs to be set out, especially progress since 1971.
ID
A Committee of Enquiry "into conditions in Hong Kong" presents difficulties, eg we have resisted proposals for a Royal Commission on Corruption for the good reason that ICAC seems to be getting on with the job. We might also be pressed in Hong Kong to agree to an Enquiry into capital punishment. Nevertheless, there could be value in a Parliamentary initiative setting up a committee to report on the social progress of the Colony. It would of course point to deficiencies, but could hardly ignore the points of remarkable progress already achieved and the substantial programme of reform now in hand."
CONFIDENTIAL
/2...........
17/4
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.