TNAG-0996-FCO40-1219-Inspection-of-Hong-Kong-and-General-Department--February-198-1981 — Page 25

ADMINISTRATION IN CONFIDENCE

wide measure of autonomy and is financially self-supporting. Even so, the Department gets drawn into internal affairs such as social, housing and labour questions which are politically sensitive both in the Colony and in the UK. On the external front the future of Hong Kong is the major preoccupation. Illegal immigration from China, Vietnamese refugees, defence costs, trade relations and, most recently, the UK Nationality Bill, are important issues for the Department.

5.

The General Section, transferred to Hong Kong Department in 1977 following recommendations made at the last inspection, advises on policy towards Dependent Territories and on matters of common interest to the Colonies such as capital punishment, colonial regulations and postage stamp policy. It handles the personnel work in the appointment of Governors, other senior administrative, legal and judicial staff. It vets recommendations for promotion to senior non- administrative posts in Hong Kong and deals with terms of service, petitions, disciplinary matters etc.

6.

The Hong Kong Section consists of three officers headed by a DS5. He reports to a DS5S Assistant who in turn reports to the Head of Department. In the General Section a DS7E Head of Section supervises a DS9 and reports through the Assistant to the Head of Department. Mr Clift reports to Mr Donald on Hong Kong questions and to Mr Ure on staffing and policy matters in the Dependent Territories.

7.

In the Hong Kong Section the pressure of work is fairly high, although HKGD is not usually a crisis management department. The present Government has a less interventionist policy than its predecessor in the administration of Hong Kong, but any reduction in load has been offset by work generated by the sharp reaction in the Colony to decisions to increase fees for overseas students in the UK and introduce new legislation on nationality. The workload in the General Section is steady.

FINDINGS

Present Responsibilities

8.

HKGD is a small, hybrid Department which hangs together quite well. The Hong Kong Section has a narrow geographical focus, but in administering a Colony gets involved in greater depth than do most geographical departments in internal matters, some as difficult and politically sensitive as the external ones. It deals with our biggest, though currently not our hottest, outstanding colonial problem. As 1997 approaches, when the lease on the New Territories. expires, the Department's workload is likely to increase.

9.

For the Governor and the Government of Hong Kong the Department is a friend at court who is expected to promote and protect the Territory's interests in Whitehall. At the same time the Head of Department is the Secretary of State's adviser in adminiŝtoring the Colony. It can be a tricky balancing act made no easier by the sensitivity and high expectations of leading members of the Hong Kong community. A number of Westminster MPs take a close interest in Hong Kong affairs. They include both members of the benevolent Anglo-Hong Kong Parliamentary Group and a hostile lobby. Between them they put down 115 PQs last year.

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ADMINISTRATION IN CONFIDENCE