TNAG-0607-FCO40-755-Monitoring-progress-made-on-planning-papers-on-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 49

MINUTES OF THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE TO MONITOR THE HONG KONG PLANNING PAPER HELD ON. 11 NOVEMBER 1977

28 DEC

毒

+

Present:

Mr Cortazzi

Chairman

Mr Murray

Mr Hurst

Mr Stewart

Mr Smith

Mr Walsh

Mr Haley

Mr Hull

Mr White.

Mr Quantrill

Mr Thompson Mr Stagg

Rs. 4

Overseas Labour Adviser. Head of HKGD

Senior Economic Adviser

Deputy Overseas Labour Adviser Economists Department

Economists Department

Financial Relations Department

Hong Kong & General Department

ITEM 1: MATTERS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING

(a) 1977/78 Budget

After discussion it was agreed that the need for the budget to be seen as an instrument of social policy should be raised with the Governor during his forthcoming visit.

(b)

Report of the Third Inland Revenue Ordinance Review Committee

The Governor's reply to Lord Goronwy-Roberts was noted. It was agreed that Lord Goronwy-Roberts should be briefed to discuss this subject with the Governor. It was also suggested that the views of the Special Economic Adviser should be sought.

(c) The Turner Report

Regret was generally expressed that it will be impossible to implement any recommendations that this report may produce until after publication of the final version, which is not expected before March 1978. The desire of the TUC to be consulted on the report's recommendations was noted.

(d) ILO Conventions

The meeting was told that three of the four Conventions due to be applied this year were to be legislated on during December. Disappointment was expressed at the apparent failure to provide for legislation on the remaining Convention. It was decided to inform Lord Goronwy-Roberts of the situation and to write to the Chief Secretary emphasising the importance attached to labour legislation by HMG.

(e) New Appointments to Legco

The meeting heard that the new appointees to Legco were proving satisfactory although some problem had arisen over Mr Leung's command of English. It was decided that Mr Leung, a trade unionist, should be recommended for a three-months course in English run by the TUC. After further discussion on the narrow social background of many Legco members, it was agreed that this matter should be on the agenda for the discussions between Lord Goronwy- Roberts and the Governor.

/(f)