15.
The aim of these measures is to discourage and deter persons from leaving their villages and communes
-
the belief
S
that they can
In future
in South China, in the hope enter Hong Kong and do better for themselves.
such persons will be at risk.
You have said, Sir, and
But the fact
I have repeated, that a very important deterrent will be the fact that they cannot legally work. that the population as a whole will be required to carry identity cards will also mean that proof of identity will be needed for the transaction of day-to-day business with Government Departments. In future, before any public service is made available (other than services of an emergency kind such as urgent medical treatment or the saving of life and property), proof of identity will have to be provided. Government Departments will, of course, exercise discretion; but the intention is that all the normal Government services enjoyed by residents of Hong Kong will be denied to illegal immigrants.
16.
Sir, we are embarking on a course the outcome
of which cannot be entirely certain, but all our considerations lead us to the belief that this is one step which stands a good chance of ridding ourselves of a problem which has so adversely affected our quality of life, the problem which has been nagging us for too long.
/To repeat..