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is surviving the present world crisis better than many countries. This resilience is very largely the result of the adaptability and resourcefulness of everyone in Hong Kong in finding and developing new markets. On this economic success rests the ability of the Hong Kong Government to pay for the social programme. Everyone in Hong Kong, and particularly the members of the Reform Club with their wide experience, is aware of the fine
balance of this equation of success. Of course no one is satisfied with the pace of what is being achieved, least of all the Governor. But the aim is to press forward as fast as is humanly possible in the prevailing circumstances. I am sure you will agree that that is
the right aim.
Your third point concerns the floating of the Hong Kong
dollar. As you know, Hong Kong traditionally enjoys a very large measure of autonomy in its financial affairs. I am sure that the Hong Kong Government's original decision to float was taken in the best interesti
of Hong Kong. I am equally sure that the matter is being kept under constant review by the Governor and his advisers, and that any change will be most carefully
considered by them.
Fourthly, your concern over the recognition of medical qualifications in Hong Kong is, I know, shared by the Governor, who recently set up a working party to examine the question of unregistrable doctors in Hong Kong. This working party is carrying forward its examination of the problem with all speed, and will, it is hoped, report its findings to the Governor in the near future.
On the question of illegal immigrants from China, who are now being refused permission to enter Hong Kong, the Reform Club will know that this is not, in fact,
a new policy, but is a return to the arrangements that applied up to 1967, when they had to be abandoned in
the wake of the Cultural Revolution. You will know
better than I the reasons why Hong Kong cannot afford
/to be
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