TNAG-1845-FCO40-2620-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 3

OED BRIEF FOR THE VISIT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO HONG KONG AND PEKING: 16

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25 APRIL 1989

ACCOMMODATION: OFFICES AND RESIDENTIAL

INTRODUCTION

1.

The FCO's Overseas Estate Department are responsible for the management of the diplomatic estate overseas but, under the Financial Management Initiative, Posts are assuming increasing responsibility for day-to-day property manage-

ment.

PEKING

2.

All accommodation is leased from the Diplomatic Service Bureau (DSB).

3.

The office building is in a 1 acre compound held on a three year lease at £66,000 pa. It is shared by the British Council who need more space. Consideration is being given to

we weary need to further building on the compound, or leasing or building elsewhere.

4.

The Ambassador's Residence is a pleasant two storey building rented at a cost of £20,000 pa occupying a 1 acre site adjoining the office compound.

5.

The residential accommodation consists of 59 staff flats in foreigners' enclaves comprising unappealing and poorly built blocks. They suffer internally from poor layout and low standard of workmanship and we are about to embark on

Senior staff are a programme of kitchen refurbishment.

relatively more cramped than junior staff: we are considering how best to improve their accommodation for the longer term.

6.

The Post is well served with officially provided amenities including a swimming pool, tennis courts, squash court, club room and a multi-purpose hall.