TNAG-1157-FCO40-1437-Visits-by-FCO-Ministers-to-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 45

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provision of public services and priorities for new services.

They also have the power to dispose of funds (approximately $30

million in 1982/3) on local public works, community activities

and minor environmental improvements.

9.

e

The Heung Yee Kuk is a statutory advisory body for the New Territories. It comprises of the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen

of the 27 Rural Committees in the New Territories, plus some special members elected by those. The Chairmen and

Vice-Chairmen of Rural Committees are elected by the Village

representatives in the area covered by the Committee; these

representatives are themselves elected by villagers who can

Living trace their descent from families baing in the New Territories

at the time of the British takeover in 1898. The Kuk is

therefore representative of the traditional New Territories, and

more influential in the rural areas than in the developing new

towns. It has a particular interest in land policy, and often

considers itself to have a special relationship with the Chinese authorities on the grounds that New Territories is only leased

from China.

the

VISIT TO CLOSED CAMP AND OPEN CENTRE FOR REFUGEES

10.

See Brief No. 6.

LUNCH WITH BRITISH BUSINESSMEN

11.

This will be a small occasion at the home of the Senior

British Trade Commissioner. Lord Belstead will not be expected to make a speech, but a brief speaking note is at Annex C. The

businessmen are likely to question Lord Belstead closely on the

future (see Brief No. 2). See also Brief No. 9 on commercial

opportunities.

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