TNAG-1334-FCO40-1766-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-1984 — Page 128

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whether and if so when and for how long any public consultation on the proposals will be carried out;

b.

C. when firm instructions will be delivered to Parliamentary Counsel. (If it is proposed to deliver instructions in instalments or at different times for different topics please give details); and

d.

when the Bill is expected to be ready for introduction.

It is important to have realistic estimates to enable Ministers to plan the use of Parliamentary time. Over-optimistic timetables are unhelpful all round. Please be as specific as you can indicating where possible 'early', 'mid or 'late' when naming a month. In cases of doubt, earliest and latest dates should be given for each stage. Account should be taken of Parliamentary Counsel's absence on leave (normally for the whole of August).

Cabinet Office

November 1984

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