TNAG-1630-FCO40-2246-Visits-by-Hong-Kong-Government-officials-to-China--the-UK-an-1987 — Page 149

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Scottish Information Office

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HONG KONg governmENT ADMINISTRATOR'S STUDY TOUR TO

SCOTLAND

Hong Kong

23-26 June 1987

Report by Brian Simmons, Scottish Information Office

APPOINTMENTS

Wednesday 24 June

The group spent the morning at Lothian Regional Council, where they were welcomed by Mr Bruce, regional information officer, who briefed them on the structure of local government in Scotland and the specific responsibilities of the regional council. The group then sat in on a public meeting of the Region's education committee. They felt that they had been given a good grounding of the local government system, and enjoyed the experience of witnessing the political cut and thrust of the education committee meeting.

An enjoyable half hour was spent at Gladstones Land a National Trust for Scotland property which depicts how the citizens of Edinburgh led their lives in the early 17th century.

The group visited New St Andrew's House where they saw an audio-visual presentation on the Scottish Office. Mr Pagett, chief press officer gave a short supplementary talk before answering a wide range of questions on the structure and role of the Scottish Office.

Thursday 25 June

Mr Magee, depute director of administration, received the visitors at the City Chambers and explained the structure, role and political make-up of the City of Edinburgh District Council. The group listened intently and asked questions about housing, which is the District's main responsibility, privatisation of council services and the possible politicisation of senior local government posts.

The group were impressed by their visit to the Royal Bank of Scotland where Mr Baird, economist, briefed them on the economy, with particular reference to the financial sector, and of course the "Royal Bank" itself. He answered many questions about the unsuccessful bid by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank to take over the Royal Bank and the decision of the Monopolies Commission which ruled against the take over.

The final visits of the day were to the Scottish National Party and the Scottish Conservative Party. Spokesmen for the parties outlined in broad

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