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SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 29 MARCH TO 1 APRIL 1981
BRIEF NO 21: MEETINGS WITH UMELCO, URBAN COUNCILLORS AND PRESS CONFERENCE
POINTS TO MAKE
(These can be used with all three audiences except where indicated)
MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT
HMG believes
Need to maintain
1. Aware of importance of textile industry to Hong Kong.
an effective successor to present MFA is necessary.
orderly trade in textiles at time or world-wide over-capacity and stagnating demand. EC and other developed countries' textile
industries experiencing increasing difficulties.
2.
(If pressed) Secretary of State for Trade considering representations of all interested parties, including Hong Kong.
UK OVERSEAS STUDENTS'
FEES
3. Realise importance of educational links between UK and Hong Kong. However, Department of Education and Science, like other Government Departments, has been required to limit public spending and cut back
Unfortunate that this has on such things as hospitals and schools.
resulted in higher fees for overseas students.
4. (UMELCO only) Glad to hear of Hong Kong's plans for a loan scheme. Little prospect of return to full home student status.
BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL
5. (UMELCO only) See Brief No 20..
Jard
Line as follows:
(Press and Urban Council only) 'Carefully and sympathetically considered all Hong Kong's points. No weakening of links with dependencies..
Essential to maintain
basic structure of the legislation but we have been able to intro- duce some changes to meet practical problems for Hong Kong and
other dependencies.
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
6.
HMG committed to continue fulfilling its responsibilities to
Hong Kong and its people.
7. Outlook very good. Chinese leaders have stressed importance of stability and prosperity in Hong Kong and the part this plays in
Chinese
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