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
1. Aware of importance of textile industry to Hong Kong.
Need to believes an effective successor to present MFA is necessary.
maintain orderly trade in textiles at time of 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
on such things as hospitals and schools. Unfortunate that this has
resulted in higher fees for overseas students.
4. (UMELCO only). Glad to hear of Hong Kong's plans for a loan
scheme.
BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL (Press and Urban Council only)
5.
See Annex A, (UMELCO only) see brief No 20.
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
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