TNAG-1054-FCO40-1304-Trade-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-UK-1981 — Page 19

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AVLO IN REGISTRY NO. 51

2 4 SEP 1981

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OFFICIAL, COMMITTEE ON EXPORTS

1.

This is a recently established committee. One of its purposes is to ensure the proper coordination of Ministerial visits overseas for the promotion of trade and, in particular, for the furtherance of British interests in large projects.

2.

The Department of Trade have now produced a first quarterly report to the Prime Minister on major overseas projects, where there is UK involvement of over £50 million. I attach an extract from this report, covering the countries for which you are responsible.

3. You will notice that there is a column 'Ministerial Involvement Under this, there are many references to the involvement of the Secretary of State and Minister for Trade and of the Prime Minister; but, although more than 100 large projects are listed round the world, the Secretary of State is only recorded as having been involved in support of one of them, and there is no reference to any support from the Lord Privy Seal.

4.

I find this hard to believe. I should be grateful if you would confirm that, for the area for which you are responsible, neither Lord Carrington nor the Lord Privy Seal has been involved in support of any of the projects listed. (I am aware that Ministers of State have taken an active interest in certain projects, but EX(0) is concerned only with Ministerial visitors of Cabinet rank.)

5. We are asked to let the Secretariat of EX(0) have any amendments by 25 September, and I should therefore be grateful if you could let me have your reply as soon as possible.

Hangers Watson

18 September 1981

R Burges Watson

Trade Relations and Exports Department G3/1 233 3527