TNAG-0606-FCO40-754-Monitoring-progress-made-on-planning-papers-on-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 209

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Mr Male

Parliamentary Unit

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HONG KONG: PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS: MR ROBERT PARRY MP

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1. Mr Robert Parry MP (Labour Liverpool, Scotland Exchange Division) has put down six Questions for Written Answer on 18 January about the Governorship of Hong Kong and Lord Goronwy-Roberts' discussions with the Governor last December. (Mr Parry has six other Written Questions down for answer later in the week, dealing with the question of a possible second international airport in Hong Kong.)

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Mr Parry's most recent Questions on Hong Kong, which were answered by Mr Luard on 8 December, concerned the employment of young persons. Mr Parry was also the principal sponsor of the critical Early Day Motion entitled "Democratic and Social Advance of Hong Kong" tabled on 8 December.

3. Mr Parry's latest Questions about the Governorship of Hong Kong suggest that he has heard of the speculation in Hong Kong that there will be an extension of Sir Murray MacLehose's term of office. As it happens the Governor told us at the end of last week that he would be making the announcement about his extension today (Hong Kong telegram no. 42). This makes it easier to deal with Mr Parry's Questions on this matter. I do not know what may have prompted Mr Parry to ask about the Governor's emoluments, the details of which are public knowledge since they appear in the Hong Kong Government estimates. He may, however, be considering comparing at some time the salary of the Governor with that of the lower paid Chinese workers in Hong Kong. Mr Parry's Question about Lord Goronwy-Roberts' discussions with the Governor last December is of routine character.

4. I submit draft replies, which have been cleared with the Governor (FCO telegram no. 30 and Hong Kong telegram no. 47 in reply). GGD concur, as appropriate.

17 January 1977

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

Cc:

Miss Daw (GGD)

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