ENG-1976 — Page 314

226

London Office

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

The London Office, at 6 Grafton Street, W1, is a projection in Britain of the Hong Kong Government. It is part of the Government Secretariat and the Com- missioner there is directly responsible to the Chief Secretary. The Commissioner provides a point of direct contact in London between Hong Kong and various minis- tries and departments of the British Government, and other organisations with an interest in Hong Kong.

The London Office keeps under review British commercial, economic and indus- trial developments and official thinking on worldwide trade policies, and advises the Hong Kong Government of the likely repercussions of these developments on Hong Kong. It is concerned with the welfare of Hong Kong residents in Britain, maintains contact with them, and assists them over problems arising from their residence in Britain or relating to their families and interests in Hong Kong. It operates well- developed publicity services aimed at projecting Hong Kong's image to the British public and the Chinese community in Britain. It also has special sections to look after the interests of Hong Kong students, including nurses and government trainees resident in Britain.

The appointments division of the London Office is responsible for all government recruitment in Britain that was formerly handled by the Crown Agents. The division also recruits people of Hong Kong origin in the United Kingdom to the public service, and maintains close liaison with various official bodies in Britain concerned with recruiting expatriate staff.

for

=

The London Office has responsibility for a training course in Oxford, designed young Chinese administrative officers on probation. Under a Director of Studies seconded from Hong Kong, they study management, economics and government for an academic year.

Government Departments

The administrative functions of the government are discharged by more than 40 departments, most of which are organised on a functional basis and have responsibil- ities covering all Hong Kong. This form of organisation, rather than one based on authorities with responsibilities in a limited geographical area, is suitable for this small, compact territory and has enabled the government to provide services without regard to the capacity of residents of various districts to pay taxes.

Home Affairs Department and New Territories Administration

The two government departments most closely concerned with the reactions of the community to government policies and plans are the Home Affairs Department and the New Territories Administration.

The main function of the Home Affairs Department is to assess the overall impact of government policies on the population and to advise on the current trends of