TNAG-2106-FCO40-3004-Sino-British-Joint-Liaison-Group-office-1990 — Page 3

4 April 1990

(3)

Resumption of Second

Reading debate,

committee stage and Third Reading

to be notified

FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS

9

There are no staffing implications.

There may be minimal financial implications as one of the privileges to be extended to dependants will be exemption from certain categories

of taxation.

PUBLIC REACTION

10

When the Ordinance was first introduced, the media raised the issue of whether Hong Kong people appointed by the Chinese Government as Land Commission officials should be granted diplomatic privileges and immunities while they were in Hong Kong. Extension of such privileges and immunities to dependants of JLG and Land Commission officials may revive interest in the subject among political commentators and in the press.

The Bill will be viewed in the overall context of Sino-British relations and is likely to be seen as a conciliatory gesture on the part of Britain. There is unlikely to be much reaction from the public.

Publicity

11

It

A press release will be issued to explain that the Bill will extend privileges and immunities to the dependants of JLG and Land Commission officials while they are in Hong Kong. will also point out that the privileges and immunities in question are already enjoyed by officials of the two bodies; and that their extension to dependants is required in order to bring Hong Kong's practice into line with that of the UK and PRC.

(Deputy Secretary (General Duties), Mrs. E.M. BOSHER and Senior Crown Counsel, Mr. G. MO, will attend for this item.)

13 March 1990

(L/M SGD 2/01/2)

COUNCIL CHAMBER

CONFIDENTIAL