CONFIDENTIAL
LORD BELSTEAD'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : 6 TO 10 DECEMBER 1982
BRIEF NO.14 : MEETING WITH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE
AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS (UMELCO)
ROLE OF UMELCO
1.
UMELCO is made up of the Unofficial Members of the Executive Council (EXCO) and the Legislative Council (LEGCO). It acts as a forum for discussing matters of current concern. EXCO members are obliged to regard all Council business as confidential, but LEGCO members are required to seek and react to public opinion on proposed legislation. The UMELCO office provides them with one means of doing this. UMELCO also receives and investigates complaints of maladministration by the civil service from the public.
2.
Lord Belstead will be expected to make some introductory remarks. A speaking note is attached. The main subjects that UMELCO are likely to raise are:
(a)
The Future of Hong Kong
Members will seek reassurances that HMG is doing all it
can to promote Hong Kong's interests in the negotiations with the Chinese, and may well ask for a progress report. A speaking note and background information are provided
in Brief No.2. The material should be used in
consultation with the Governor.
(b)
Multi-Fibre Arrangement
If no settlement has yet been reached, Members will wish to be reassured that HMG is now supporting Hong Kong and seeking greater flexibility in the EC's negotiating
position (See Brief No.5)
CONFIDENTIAL
/(c)
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.