TNAG-2743-FCO40-3958-Visits-by-Commonwealth-officials--ministers-and-public-figur-1993 — Page 47

CC Mr Ricketts, HICA

Ут

may

wish to forward

1 can do so

extra

briefing any on your behalf if you with!

direct to the CPA.

CPA UK BRANCH VISIT TO HONG KONG AND NEW ZEALAND EX-LONDON 8TH-24TH AUGUST 1993

Matthew Ondday

ces

x3343

Minutes of the Briefing Meeting held at 11.00 am

on Wednesday 7th July 1993 in the CPA Rooms

Sir Anthony Durant MP, Leader of the delegation, took the chair.

Present: Leader: Sir Anthony Durant MP

Members: Lord Beaumont of Whitley

Mr Terry Dicks MP

Mr John Garrett MP Mr Eric Pickles MP Mr John Prescott MP

Secretary: Mr Andrew Pearson

In attendance:

Mr Peter Ricketts Mr Red Norton

Mr Allen Dickens

-

Head of Hong Kong Department, FCO

- New Zealand Desk, South Pacific

Department, FCO

Abercrombie & Kent Travel

1.

FCO briefing

2.

Mr Red Norton (tel no: 071 270 3267) gave a short oral briefing on New Zealand detailing the main issues leading up to the General Election in November 1993 and beyond, the two main issues being health and education reforms. Sir Anthony Durant requested a meeting with New Zealand Members to discuss their agricultural policy in relation to the EC CAP problems. Mr John Garrett wishes to discuss the independent central bank and other topics already noted by CPA UK Branch.

Mr Peter Ricketts (tel no: 071 270 2647) briefed on the current UK/China/Hong Kong situation. Sir Anthony Durant emphasized to Members that the visit to Hong Kong is at the invitation of the Hong Kong Government and not from the CPA Branch there. He also asked Mr Ricketts to provide if required supplementary briefing before the delegation's departure in readiness for a press conference to be held in Hong Kong.

Administration

a.

b.

C.

d.

Lunch with the New Zealand High Commissioner

It is hoped that as many Members as possible will attend the lunch with HE Hon. George Gair QSO, New Zealand High Commissioner, at New Zealand House, Haymarket, on Tuesday 20th July.

Contact addresses

It was requested that CPA Form A be completed and returned to the CPA office as soon as possible.

Press release

It was decided that no press release will be issued.

Thank-you letters

The UK Branch will write appropriate thank-you letters on behalf of the Branch to the Hong Kong Government and New Zealand Branch on the delegation's return.

.../2