B
RATE OF ACCEPTANCE IN UK
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The first of the 10,000 whom we have agreed to take from
Hong Kong have arrived in the United Kingdom. The rate at
which new-comers can be accepted will depend on our experience
in absorbing the people who are already here.
CAMBODIA: REFUGEES
10 We welcome the statement on 19 October by the Thai Prime
Minister that in future no Cambodian refugees crossing into
Thailand will be turned back. We understand that about 100,000
Cambodians have recently crossed into Thailand.
ACCEPTANCE OF CAMBODIAN REFUGEES IN UK
11 As my Rt Hon and Noble Friend announced on 18 July, the
new quota of 10,000 is intended to relieve the situation in Hong
Kong. Refugees from Cambodia would not therefore be eligible
within the quota, although we shall continue to consider
applications from any with close ties or relations already in
the United Kingdom.
CAMBODIA: FAMINE
12 I refer the Hon member to [Mr Blaker's] reply to the
Hon member for Harlow (Mr Newens) on 22 October. The United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is not responsible for
Cambodians displaced within Cambodia, but only for those who
actually cross an international frontier.
Questions on food
aid to Cambodia are inappropriate to this Question.
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