TNAG-1413-FCO40-1889-Future-of-Hong-Kong-annual-report-to-Parliament-on-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 272

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Precedence

CONFIDENTIAL

[HK3ADM]

IMMEDIATE

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CONFIDENTIAL

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FM FCO

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TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG

TELNO

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OF 04110OZ SEPTEMBER 85

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INFO IMMEDIATE PEKING

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FROM HK D

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1.

Wel

YOUR TELNO 1737: HONG KONG AGREEMENT: ANNUAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT

We have consulted the Secretary of State about the 15 proposed format for the annual report to Parliament set out in Alan Scott's Letter of 28 June. He is concerned that if we follow these proposals we will end up with a long report (about 150 pages), made up largely of previously published material. would run a serious risk of Parliamentary criticism for serving up an indigestible, and in some cases out of date collection of already available documents. Ministers could be criticised for

not taking the trouble to report personally to Parliament.

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In order to avoid this criticism, he would prefer to expand the introduction and to make it into the main body of the report. This could be about 15 to 20 pages long and include a general summary of the events of the year. It might take the following form:

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(a)

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Introduction to the report stating its purpose (to inform Parliament) and a description of its parts;

File number

ONAL

Dept

HKD

Authorised for Initials Date/time

despatch by:

For COD use only

Comcen reference

Catchword:

(b)

Drafted by (Block capitals)

Telephone no

JN POWELL

233 3918

Telegram number

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XY 48 (REV)