HC Deb 13 January 1987 vol 108 c145W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the new governor of Hong Kong to be appointed.

Mrs. Chalker

An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the Official Report the salary of the governor of Hong Kong in pounds sterling.

Mr. Renton

The salary of the governor of Hong Kong is £93,327 per annum (at an exchange rate of £1: HK$11).

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current salary of the Hong Kong commissioner in London.

Mr. Renton

The current salary of the Hong Kong commissioner in London is HK$686,400 per annum (or £62,400 per annum, at an exchange rate of £1: HK$11).

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government of China are consulted on the appointment of the governor of Hong Kong.

Mrs. Chalker

No.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the cost of the upkeep of the Hong Kong Government office in London in each of the past five years.

Mr. Renton

The cost of the upkeep of the Hong Kong Governent office in London in each of the current and past four financial years is as follows:

  • 1982–83 HK$24.44 million (about £2.22 million)
  • 1983–84 HK$25.42 million (about £2.31 million)
  • 1984–85 HK$26.19 million (about £2.32 million)
  • 1985–86 HK$24.54 million (about £2.45 million)
  • 1986–87 HK$30.06 million (about £2.78 million)
(The exchange rates used were those in force at the time.)

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make it his policy to seek to ensure that the next governor of Hong Kong be appointed from outside the Diplomatic Service; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what consideration will be given to the appointment of a Chinese as governor of Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Our concern is to ensure that the right person is appointed to this highly important post.