TNAG-2963-FCO40-4242-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-Steering-Comm-1993 — Page 39

CONFIDENTIAL

to be sure that the FCO would not be vulnerable to criticism for

waste of resources. RFD suggested that in order not to delay the project OED should prepare an informal submission to Treasury now saying that the question of the passport section of the Consulate was still being examined.

3. The arguments put forward at the Working Group Meeting for and against the various options suggested by the MRS were as

follows:

(i)

(ii)

Option A. To proceed as planned with passport issues in the new building.

No delay to the project.

underutilisation of floor space during first 2 years

would be roughly one floor and for three years about

three quarters of one floor.

Other uses could be found for this space (eg to

accommodate any expansion of the British Council,

British Chamber of Commerce and other users of the

building.

Option B. All passports processed and issued in Hong Kong in rented outhoused accommodation to match the

passport renewal cycle.

- Maximum change to the present design of the

Consulate General (removal of two floors).

Construction delayed and building possibly not ready

by 1 July 1997. Political considerations.

- Small if any overall total savings (offsetting costs

would include redesigning fees and greater/escalating

building costs).

scwg.21may.NAT

SLM

CONFIDENTIAL