TNAG-1025-FCO40-1275-Visit-by-Lord-Carrington--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-1981 — Page 164

MEETINGS WITH UNOFFICIALS, URBAN COUNCILLORS AND PRESS

CONFERENCE: ESSENTIAL FACTS

MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA)

1.

(See Brief No 7). Trade in textiles and clothing is very

important for Hong Kong's economy. Therefore negotiations on renewal

of the MFA will attract great interest in Hong Kong. The UK stance

on the EC mandate for the renewal will be an important factor in the

UK/Hong Kong relationship in 1981/82. HMG is publicly commited to

an effective successor to the present MFA. It is too early to say

what form this will take.

OVERSEAS STUDENTS' FEES

2.

(See Brief No 6). HMG commited to reducing public expenditure.

Charging of full cost fees for all overseas students will save about

This has meant substantial increases in both

£90 million per year.

1980/81 and 1981/82.

FCO Ministers have decided that there is no

point in arguing for exemption for Dependent Territory students at

this time.

3.

Unofficials share Governor's concern that Hong Kong students are

moving from the UK to North American institutions. They are also

unhappy at further increase in fees for 1981/82. The Hong Kong

Government has announced that it will provide loans for students on

first-degree and equivalent courses in the UK, who are suffering

hardship as a result of the fee rises.

BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL

4. (See Brief No 5) Hong Kong concerned since publication of initial

Green Paper about effect on people there of proposed changes in

British Nationality Law. Separate category of citizenship for

Dependent Territory belongers was introduced as a result of

/representations

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