TNAG-1154-FCO40-1434-Visits-by-Members-of-Parliament-(MPs)-to-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 53

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4.

As mentioned above, there were complaints from obero of 186 that they had been misled about the cost of living in Hong Kong which compared very unfavourably with West Commony.

In particular, novcial of those interviewed at most levels (and this also applied to other Service units in Hong Kong) claimed that they were unable to use their air conditfendue wide legger of the ligh cart of electricity, The increase in motor tax was alro frequently raired with the Committee. The Committee will certainly went to pursue the adequacy and distribution of LOA.

d.

Gurkha Battalions

The Committee were most impressed by the Gurkha Battalions but are likely to raise the question of Gurkha pay and conditions, especially accompanied service and accommodation. The Committce were disturbed at the continuing uncertainty surrounding the 5th Gurkha Bettalion. (A proposed visit to Brunei on the return journey to London was cancelled but the Committee was fully briefed on the Brunei situation whilst in Hong Kong).

e.

Wessex Heliconter

The Committee was briefed on the progressive re-building of the Wessex helicopters but nevertheless expressed concern that there were no plans for thom to be replaced in the near future. (This was also a point raised by SCOR in 1975).

f. Hong Kong Military Hoanital

The Committee Chairman, Sir Timothy Kitson, has very strong personal views on military hospitals (following involvement in Catterick which is in his own constituency) and is bound to question the MOD about the possibility of rebuilding the garrison hospital in Hong Kong as a wing on a civilian hospital in order to reduce costs in specialist facilities (operating theatres etc) and support.

Other points which could arise (but probably will not) are the rehousing of separated wives and families returning from Hong Kong (which the Committee accepts is a problem for Local Goverment Authorities rather than the MOD) and the training of Army helicopter pilots which some members of the Committee think to be more cost effective than that of their RAF counterparts (this reflects the Committee's recommendation in their First Report 1980-81, on RAF Pilot Training, HC 53, HC 649, published in February 1981).

5. Can I assume that you will wish to lead on this enquiry drawing on others as necessary in the light of the list of topics provided by the Clerk to the Committee?

24 July 1982

ہے بینم

JANDREWS

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