TNAG-0606-FCO40-754-Monitoring-progress-made-on-planning-papers-on-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 220

CONFIDENTIAL

SCHK (M) 1/76

MINUTES OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE TO MONITOR THE HONG KONG PLANNING PAPER, HELD ON 21 OCTOBER 1976

Present:

Mr Cortazzi Mr Male

Mr Stewart

Mr Hurst

Mr Smith Mr Lipsey Mr Milton Mr Duffy Mr Paul

Mr David

Chairman

Head of Hong Kong Department Overseas Labour Adviser Senior Economic Adviser Political Adviser

Hong Kong Department Hong Kong Department Far East Department Hong Kong Department

1. Appreciation was expressed at the tone and terms of the Governor's address at the opening session of the Legislative Council. It was emphasized, that HMG in the UK were seeking a continuing dialogue with the Hong Kong Government and not aiming to impose policies.

2. (a) Agenda Item 1(a): Existing Reporting Procedures

It was reported that agreement with the Hong Kong Government had been reached on the following points:

J

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

that the Hong Kong Government would send quarterly reports of their progress in implementing the Planning Paper in May, August, November and February of each year. The next meeting of the Standing Committee would be held in mid-February shortly after the

1977/78 Hong Kong budget was due to have been announced;

that the Secretary for Administration in the Govern- ment Secretariat would co-ordinate these reports;

that there would be a reduction in the size of the present monthly or quarterly reports sent in by the Branch Secretaries. Broadly, we would continue to receive Part A of the reports but not Part B;

that the Hong Kong Government would, in future, make available minutes of the meetings of the Governor's and Chief Secretary's Committees and ExCo papers other than those of purely local importance. The Secretary for Administration in Hong Kong would select, the papers.

CONFIDENTIAL