TNAG-2960-FCO40-4239-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-building-incl-1993 — Page 66

CODE 18-77

19 April 1993

Mr Wood

OED

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Reference

HONG KONG: NEW CONSULATE-GENERAL

1.

I have

Please refer to Mr Muir and Chief Clerk's minutes of 5 and 7 April respectively. As stated in Mr Bertram's submission of 31 March, OED and RMD will liaise closely, as is the norm, before putting any case to Treasury. been in regular contact with Alan Wootton during the past week and RMD are currently considering my proposed draft to Treasury (copy attached).

The specific answers to Mr Muir's four points in para 2 of his minute under reference are:-

2.

(i)

Ref 2 (a) - our letter to Treasury and DCF appraisals will show clearly that the case for a new build on a gifted site is the most economical option.

(ii) Ref 2 (b) - We are covering this issue in our

letter to Treasury. The MRS and British Council staffing reviews will be completed by early June and before any expenditure is required other than the already committed Consultant fees. Tender action and contract let for the foundation works are planned for late June and September respectively. The main problem will be if the MRS review recommends radical changes to the requirements which could subsequently lead to major redesign and inevitably delay the programme: there could well be cost implications certainly additional Consultant fees but these could be offset if the changes consisted of major requirement reductions.

PCAS3.677

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