TNAG-1851-FCO40-2626-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 180

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Notes of Discussions with, the Parliamentary Select Committee

21st April 1989-

British British Trade invited by the outgoing Senior I was privileged to be Commissioner, Mr Reg Holloway to be one of his guests at dinner to meet the visitors from the UK prior to their departure for Beijing.

In my position as Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce, I sat next to the Rt Hon David Howell, PC, MP, and Mr Ian Taylor, MBE, MP. Compared with many of the visitors from the UK from Government and other official bodies, it has been noted by many that this group of visitors were in fact very well briefed and prepared for their intensive series of meetings and discussions during the week. From their side, the contributions and discussions were in the main, from David Howell, Michael Jopling, Peter Shore, Ian Taylor and Bowen Wells. I had to give a presentation to them on the general climate for then entered by British investment in Hong Kong and the conversation was Messrs. Chiu, Mackay and Gale.

Clearly, there has been much emphasis during this week on the passport and refugee issues and the Committee are well aware of their importance in the eyes of the Hong Kong people. Mr Gale spoke at length on the difficulties in the utilities sector to retain trained staff and he explained that they have many examples of employees having worked for the company here for over 15 years leaving the Territory for a foreign passport, and whilst the company keeps in touch with them and sends them regular issues of the in-house magazine, the number who return to Hong Kong is in fact minimal. He suggested that if nothing is

is done, there could be a general weakening of infrastruture as there would be no experience and whilst he acknowledged the suggestion that the vacancies could be filled, at least on a temporary basis, by expatriates, he observed that this was only a make shift solution as these individuals would be more expensive than local people.

It

the

the role of the Senior British Trade was generally accepted that Commissioner needs to be upgraded here, at least in the eyes of the local people, and whilst those around the table were aware that Mr Holloway is in fact of ambassadorial rank, this fact was not readily appreciated and an incumbent needs to take a more visible position in supporting UK interests views of the local with from time to time, conflict

the which may, establishment. It was clear therefore that the position of the Chamber, and its officials, could take on a far more important role in the years to come.

In this

Mr Holloway's paper regarding the conclusions of his investigations into UK investment in Hong Kong were discussed, but again, it was generally agreed that there needs to be fresh evidence at least

least in the minds of the local Chinese that UK is not running away from Hong Kong (vide Jardines to Bermuda) but is in fact prepared to invest in the Territory for the future. connection, we

we were told that investigations are on-going as to a possible site for the future General Consuls office which could also include entities such as the British Council and the British Chamber of Commerce under one roof. It could be known as Britannia Ilouse.

•

It was noted that currently the Government here are running into criticism for the delays in announcing major projects which are required for the continuing prosperity of the Territory although it was acknowledged that part of the reason for this was the poor advice which sometimes the Government receives.

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