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personal emoluments of the Civil Service which absorb rather more than 40% of the total revenues, that one doubts that there would be any reaction whatever.
Para. 45
I doubt if the appointment of a member of the independent trade unions to LegCo need await the study of industrial relations. Towards the end of the paragraph, it might be better to speak of being puzzled by the "ineffectiveness of the trade unions".
Para. 46
The intrusive "public support" again. At (a) "Widows and orphans" should be included. At (b), the "more flexible financial management" might be spelled out a little more, on the lines of my earlier suggestions, adding perhaps the sale of flats. At (d), replace the word "holidays" by "vacation leave". Add at the end of (e), the words "which should include income tax".
Para. 49
I know of nothing to support the suggestion that the mobilisation of public enthusiasm for change in Hong Kong is succeeding brilliantly.
Para. 50
Need we assume that the increasing independence of a Crown Colony must be "irreversible"? For example, when in 1958 Hong Kong was given leave/to submit its Budget in future in advance, I believe that the terms which accompanied that authority imposed a number of requirements which have been allowed to fall into disuse. There is no reason why Hong Kong should not be reminded of them and required to conform. It seems axiomatic that if the Secretary of State is to fulfil his obligations in respect of Hong Kong, there must be an increased degree of accountability and a much greater amount of what some would regard as back-seat driving. If social security is to be looked at by a Working Party, we ought to insist on the inclusion in that Working Party of a qualified specialist in whom we have confidence, to ensure that it does its job properly. Equally, there is little reason why we should not require a complete reassessment of housing policy quality and financing alike with one or two highly qualified people from this country to help. Nor should it be beyond reason for Mr Haddon-Cave to be summoned to London from time to time to explain himself.
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We might
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