OUTSPOKEN critic of the Patten package, Sir Percy Cradock, has been called in by the Foreign Office to advise on the present dispute with Beijing.

Sir Percy is one of a number of well-known sinologists recently consulted by ministers, including Hongkong Minister Mr Alastair Goodlad.

Others consulted by the Foreign Office include Sir Charles Powell, former close adviser to Lady Thatcher and now a senior member of Jardine's, who strongly supports the Governor.