'E.R.
Content
3. Thanks to Mr Gilbert's liaison with the Clerk, we have covered the areas
likely to be of concern to the Committee. We have aimed to do so mainly
in the form of a factual description of existing law and practice,
reserving justification for that policy, or discussion of alternatives,
for Mr Renton's appearance before the Committee.
The general approach
4.
We are
and
The underlying assumption, which will carry through into the briefing, is
that the Hong Kong lobby will go on anyway;
and that there is
consequently no point in Ministers deciding, let alone announcing, any
shift in policy at least until after the FASC has reported.
assuming that some shift in policy not involving legislation is likely in
respect of Crown Servants. Beyond that, the most difficult areas to
handle will be wives and widows of expatriates, on which some relaxation
not involving legislation may be possible though difficult;
persuading talented professionals to stay in Hong Kong. This last point remains difficult and obscure: in terms of detailed propositions for
changes in practice or law, and in terms of defining the category,
still have no sufficient information from the FCO on which to base
advice. But as Mr Renton knows we expect to be discussing this soon with
the FCO in preparation for a further meeting between him and Lord Glenarthur and/or Mr Eggar.
Undertakings
we
5. Mr Renton will be aware that undertakings have been given to certain people in Crown Service that they will be admitted for settlement because
the nature of their service makes them vulnerable. The FCO reached an
understanding with the Committee that there should be no questioning in open session on that. I recommend that Mr Renton should seek a similar
assurance. A draft letter is attached.
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