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problems which are believed to be faced by Hong Kong Chinese in Britain:--
1. Inmigration
Since the introduction of the Commonwealth Immigration Aot in 1964 the number of Hong Kong Chinese successfully entering into Britain has been vastly reduced. This is because on the introduction of the Commonwealth Immigration Act an overall quota of 8,500 is allocated to all Commonwealth Countries. Of these 1,000 are for Malta and 2/3 of the re- mainder, 7,500, for skilled and professional innigrants, leaving a balance of 2,500 for unskilled immigrants including restaurant workers from Hong Kong. Because there is no specific quota for Hong Kong and because applications from all Commonwealth countries are considered on a 'first come first served' basis, the number of Hong Kong Chinese entering Britain on employment vouchers was only 160 last year. This is far from being adequate to cope with the demand of Chinese restaurants for workers, The delegates would put to Lord Shepherd that Hong Kong, being one of the few remaining colonies, should be treated differently from other Commonwealth independent countries. They would ask that consideration be given to a relaxation of the existing regulations to allow a greater number of Chinese to come to Britein. In support for this request the delegates would probably present the following arguments :-
a)
As stated earlier, Hong Kong is still a Colony and the British Covernment naturally has greater responsibility for Hong Kong and its people than for other independent Commonwealth countries.
b) So far the Hong Kong Chinese in Britain have not been
burden at all on the State. They are law-abiding citizens and have come to this country mostly to operate restaurants for a decent livlihood. They have fulfilled their obligations as oitizens of this country and generally speaking, have not become a liability to the State.
c) Innigrants from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom will not
reduce the job opportunities available for local people because practically all of them are to come hereto work in Chinese restaurants.
a) Although the rate of expansion of Chinese restaurants has
retarded in the past two years there is still a general shortage of labour and hence room for more immigrants from Hong Kong willing to work in Chinese restaurants. At present many of the wives and children of restaurant owners are forced by circumstances to work in restaurants because of a shortage of helping hands. This is obviously
undesirable