Cradock to advise

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.