TNAG-1848-FCO40-2623-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 99

MADABO (3)

few months to determine the wishes of Hong Kong residents on the

pace of progress towards the development of representative

government.

This report is misleading and appears to have arisen

from a misunderstanding at the press conference. It would be helpful if the Secretary of State could encourage Mr Howell could

set the record straight.

Future Consulate-General

7. The Committee showed a particular interest in the future

Consulate-General during their visit to Hong Kong, although the

subject did not come up in public. Mr Howell has suggested that we

might have been guilty of lack of foresight in not seeking to retain

the HMS Tamar site for the future Consulate-General at the time of

the negotiations on the Joint Declaration. This question was raised

with the PUS when he gave evidence on the Supply Estimates on 3

May. (See detailed note at Reference E).

Future public evidence sessions

8.

The FAC is taking public evidence from Mr Renton on the

nationality issue on 24 May. The DTI have not been asked to give

oral evidence but have submitted a written momorandum. Public

evidence is also being taken from Lord MacLehose, Sir Richard Evans,

the Hong Kong Association and Hong Kong Link.