TNAG-0870-FCO40-1080-Air-services-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-UK-1979 — Page 148

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Telegram No.

Tel/1C (Cont.)

to

HONG KONG.

2

The Secretary of State for Trade, who is the

responsible UK Government Minister under the Act,

has, after carefully weighing all the pros and cons,

decided that he is not prepared to direct the Civil

Aviation Authority not to proceed with the due

processes consequent upon the receipt of licence

applications and therefore any further UK Government

involvement in the joint study will have forthwith to cease. My officials the Department of Trade) will be

writing to you very shortly explaining fully how Hong

Kong interests may be safeguarded in the due processes

which must now follow.

3

:

I do not think the work which has been done both

in the UK and in Hong Kong and jointly on the study so

far will have been wasted. Much of it will be useful

in preparing your own evidence, should you choose to

give it, before the CAA hearing, and in presenting

your case to the Secretary of State for Trade on

appeal, should this arise. There are a number of

limitations (eg on the disclosure of the contents of

CMU's) but we will cover them in the letter referred

to above.

DO NOT TYPE ON REVERSE OF THIS FORM

Signature of Originator

EACH SHEET to be signed by the Originator

2

V819