TNAG-1838-FCO40-2613-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 65

CONFIDENTIAL

448

FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ENQUIRY INTO HONG KONG]

EIGN

1.

The meeting with the FAC Clerk was a useful preliminary run over the ground. Mr Paul's minute covers the main points discussed. A number of them will require Ministerial decisions in due course.

2.

It was very clear from the meeting that the enquiry will generate a great deal of work, most of which is bound to fall upon Hong Kong Department (in consultation with the Hong Kong Government). I have discussed with Mr Paul how the organisation of the Department might be adjusted to meet this additional 'burden. Some temporary reinforcement will almost certainly be

necessary. I am in touch with the Deputy Chief Clerk about this. Subject to Ministers' views, I think I shall have to take the lead in providing oral evidence to the Committee in London, except where Ministers themselves decide to do so.

The

3. The visit to Hong Kong will be very high profile, whether or not the Committee decide to take formal evidence there. visit to Peking should cause fewer problems, but will still require careful handling. We will need to consider with the Governor and the Ambassador how best to manage these visits in a way which meets the Committee's wishes while minimising the problems.

4. The Secretary of State may feel that he or Lord Glenarthur should hold an early office meeting to plan our approach to the enquiry. This might best take place once we have received the Clerk's formal letter setting out the Committee's initial request for written evidence and have prepared an outline for Ministers to consider.

HKB 011/3

Relate

RJT McLaren

27 January 1989

Cc:

PS/Mr Eggar (with copy of submission) PS/PUS

Mr Gillmore

Mr Teasdale

Mr Edwards, Legal Advisers

Mr Millington, FED

Mr Walker, Research Dept

Mr Holt, PRU

Mr

Paul, HKD

Miss Marsden

2173%

Mr Footman

Mr Wood

Miss Elior

W/307.