TNAG-1599-FCO40-2192-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1987 — Page 25

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Chinese Community

The afternoon began with a series of visits to the Chinese community in Manchester, including the Chinese Liaison Unit, the offices of the Chinese magazine, Suyi, and the Chinese Health Centre. Most of the conversation was in Chinese and concerned with the work and problems of these various undertakings.

In mid-afternoon there was a short meeting with the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Eileen Kelly, who formally welcomed the visitors to the city and talked about the Chinese community and the twin city of Wuhan.

This was followed by a visit to the offices of Mr Peter Chui, a local businessman and a prominent figure in the Chinese community who talked about Manchester's links with Hong Kong and China. He was listened to politely but without enthusiasm.

BBC Radio Manchester

The evening was spent at BBC headquarters where the visitors were welcomed by Acting Station Manager, Michael Chapman. He introduced some members of his staff including Andrew Stringer and John McManus who joined in a general discussion. For the first time in the day the visitors showed some animation and there was a lively exchange of views and light-hearted banter. Later, after dinner in the BBC canteen, there was a meeting with the Eastern Horizon radio team, after which the visitors sat in for the first part of the evening's live broadcast. The evening ended with a general tour of BBC facilities, with David Wong, producer of the Eastern Horizon programme.

On returning to the hotel the visitors made it clear that although they had greatly enjoyed meeting the Chinese community and were grateful for the hospitality they had received, they would prefer to concentrate on British institutions to remedy gaps in their own knowledge and experience. The next day's programme, from 9.30-11.00 am was therefore modified accordingly.

Manchester University - (20 November)

In place of further meetings with the Chinese community the first half of the morning was occupied by a visit to Manchester University. After a general look around the main buildings (Medical School, Students Union, Refectory Block, Library, Main Building and Quadrangle) there was a meeting with Mr Philip Radcliffe, University Communications Officer. This was clearly much more to the visitors liking and there was a very friendly and lively conversation even though the visit was very brief.

Manchester Museum

A visit to Manchester Museum followed where the group were just in time to see the video of Lindow Man, the current exhibition.

Greater Manchester Economic Development Corporation

The second half of the morning was spent at GMEDC where the visitors were received by Mrs Yvonne Bradbury, Director of Promotions. After showing a video of the Corporation's work, Mrs Bradbury dealt with its foundation, history, aims and methods in greater depth. There was some detailed question on the scope of the work, with particular reference to investment from overseas and whether this attracted special terms. Mrs Bradbury pointed out that all potential investors received equal treatment, the major criteria being the economic merit of the application.

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