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Does the British Government fully support the view that illegal immigrants into Hong Kong should be returned to the country of their origin?
Cur policy in general is to return illegal immigrants.
But I should make it clear that before a decision on
the return of any individual is reached in líong Kong, each case is carefully examined on an individual basis. Full account is taken of any special circumstances or cases of genuine hardship.
With regard to the Hong Kong Government's policy of handing back to China illegal immigrants, bave the Chinese authorities given any assurance to the British
• Government that those who are sent back will not be harshly treated, that is, that they will not be punished by death or long prison sentences?
The discussions which have taken place were confidential and I would not wish to go into further details.
Have the Chinese authorities indicated that they will tighten security along, the border to help frustrate would-be illegal immigrants?
The discussions concerned the return of the illegal immigrants, not internal Chinese security measures.
THE DEATH FENALTY
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The people of Hong Kong have expressed strong views about the carrying out of death sentences for particularly bad cases of murder. Will the Minister take note of these expressions and advise lier Majesty that in certain cases the death penalty can be carried out?
Do you consider that in Hong Kong bad cases of murder can be stopped without enforcement of the death penalty?
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