TNAG-1599-FCO40-2192-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1987 — Page 27

CENTRAL OFFICE OF INFORMATION

Report on visit of

Mr Dick HO Ting-man

Mr LAI Ting-yiu

Mr Tavier LAU Chi-kuen

Mr LEE Tai-on

Mr Alego POON Wing-keung

HONG KONG

to North Eastern Region

22

24 November 1987

IN CONFIDENCE

OV2/1278

The journalists were impressed immediately on their arrival by the cleanliness and "orderliness" of the city. They had been unable to obtain lunch on the train and so saw some of the city whilst driving to a restaurant. They were very interested in the Roman Wall and Hexham Abbey.

Dinner at Linden Hall was very good. The gentlemen were interested in comparing housing and education in this country with Hong Kong and also discussed life in mainland China compared with Hong Kong.

The House of Hardy: Although there was only one fisherman all the journalists were most interested in the company and its methods of operation and enjoyed their discussions with Mr J Holland, Managing Director, and Mr J Hardy, Marketing Manager and grandson of the founder.

After an excellent lunch we drove around Amble Marina and then on to Warkworth Castle. We had not expected the Castle to be open but the journalists were delighted to find that it was. Although I explained that we had only a very short time, they were eager to see everything and to take lots of photographs.

The party were warmly welcomed at the Council Chambers and after a formal welcome were soon chatting very happily to the local journalists and Council members. Mr Philipson, Chairman, asked the party if they would like to see Alnwick Castle and they were accompanied there by the Chairman, Assistant Chairman and Mr Samsun, Planning Officer. Whilst looking at the Castle the group discussed rural unemployment and the importance of tourism to the area. It was also fortunate that the Assistant Chairman is also Headmaster of a local middle school and was able to answer all their questions on the new Education Bill.

- 1 -