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1979 was 3%, on a base of 41⁄2 million. We are not prepared to be submerged. We are not prepared to see hard won improvements in the quality of life whittled away.
And in the past several months public demand for action has become increasingly more vocal and insistent. The message has been loud and clear. And I hope the message will re-echo loud and clear in the communes.
And whilst these measures, which have been already outlined by the Chief Secretary, are aimed at illegal immigrants, the willing co-operation of our citizens is essential for their success, however inconvenient it may be to many.
We have been left with no choice.
It will be obligatory for those over 15 to carry an official document of identity throughout the territory on and after 30 October, and to show it on demand by the police, the immigration service, the Labour Inspectorate and other designated services. There will be a lot of stop and search. Forgetfulness or indifference to these laws will result in temporary detention and a fine.
For those illegal immigrants already here, there will be a period of 72 hours during which they may register themselves in the Immigration Department in Victoria Barracks. The choice to have one centre only is one that my colleagues support, after examining the practicability of having two, one on both sides of the harbour. Victoria Barracks is well known to illegal immigrants, it is opposite Queensway Station on the MTR, and it allows the Director of Immigration to concentrate his resources in one place. These appear to us to be valid reasons for the choice.
These measures also require the active co-operation and support of employers. They deserve whole hearted support, and my colleagues urge that it be forthcoming. No one
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