TNAG-0568-FCO40-701-Planning-paper-on-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 253

sonal to meant by this f It's oligarchic Character, its non elective

POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

8.

The Governor has indicated that there is room for change in the Legislative Council whilst retaining its essential

character. He is concerned to achieve wide and active

participation in the process of government.

APPOINTMENT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE IN HONG KONG

Character the 9.

this

Units on its

powers?

This is a matter for my right honourable Friend, the Lord

President of the Council. I understand that he will be

answering a Question about it very shortly. Mr Hooley's on 19 February]

II. TEXTILES

TEXTILE TRADE WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM

10. Hong Kong textile imports into the United Kingdom are regulated by the EEC/Hong Kong Textiles Agreement concluded last year as part of the GATT Multi-Fibre Arrangement. This agreement provides for restraints to be extended to knitted textiles and garments which were not previously restricted in the United Kingdom market.

GROWTH OF IMPORTS OF TEXTILES FROM HONG KONG

11. An important element in the EEC/Hong Kong Textiles Agreement is that other Member States of the Community will take a greater proportion of the growth of Hong Kong textile exports than in the past and the United Kingdom correspondingly less. The average rate of growth for the Community as a whole is 7%. For the United Kingdom it is 2% with growth rates as low as 1% for the most sensitive items.

POSSIBLE IMPOSITION OF IMPORT CONTROLS ON TEXTILES FROM HONG KONG

12.

Textile imports from Hong Kong into this country are already subject to control under the EEC/Hong Kong Textiles Agreement. Her Majesty's Government's general views on import controls were explained to the House by my right honourable Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 17 December 1975.

3.