§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what allowances are paid to the Governor of Hong Kong; and how they are treated for tax purposes. [9141]
§ Mr. HanleyThe Governor, like his predecessors, receives entertainment, education and leave allowances from the Hong Kong Government. These allowances are not subject to Hong Kong tax.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current salary paid to the Governor of Hong Kong; and what tax treatment applies to that salary. [9142]
§ Mr. HanleyThe Governor's current salary, paid by the Hong Kong Government, is HK$3,036,000 per annum, equivalent to about £237,000 at present exchange rates. This figure is set at 125 per cent. of the Hong Kong Chief Secretary's salary. The Governor's salary, like that of his predecessors, is not subject to Hong Kong tax. An independent review of the Governor's salary and tax position was commissioned in 1993, which recommended that there should be no change in the calculation of his salary or in its tax free status.