rough estimate of construction costs for the type of camps described for Kai Tak to hold 26,000 refugees is $41 million, if normal con- tracting procedures and construction time are allowed, or $55 million, if measures were needed to speed up the construction period. Various factors could affect even these rough costs, however, such as a shortage of the necessary materials. Con- struction costs for other camps in outlying areas are likely to be higher due to problems over sites, such as accessibility. Manage- ment costs for Kai Tak camp may range from $4 million to $10 million per annum, although again estimating is difficult until the nature of the camp has been determined. Finally, projected land sales revenue would be deferred depending upon how long the sites were occupied by refugees.
Public Opinion
30
Public opinion is, firmly against these refugees and an increased influx from Vietnam in the early summer will exacerbate this feeling. Although there will be reluctance to admit the facts of the situation, the public will accept that refugees have to be housed in conditions which are safe, and minimise the risks of the spread of disease provided that the standard of accommodation is not better than that offered as temporary housing to our own people. The public will prefer that such camps are away from centres of population and as isolated as possible and that refugees are detained within their camps. Friction would certainly arise if these refugees were allowed to work if there was unemployment amongst Hong Kong's workers. In these circumstances, it would probably be best to prevent refugees from working.
31
Publicity will continue to receive high priority to explain that refugees coming here will only stay for a limited time before being resettled elsewhere. In the meantime the arrange- ments for accommodating them must be made with the least possible disruption to Government programmes.
Conclusion
32
(a)
Honourable Members will be asked to advise whether:
the principles outlined in paragraph 10
should be followed in the selection of areas/ camps for occupation by refugees;
CONFIDENTIAL ##