From The Minister of State
Richard Luce MP
HKD aa
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HKK 243/2
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
06 JUN 1985
DESK OFFIC
INDEX
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
REGISTRY
Action Tacen
SUH
London SW1A 2AH
don
3 June 1985
SCORRI
Dean Willie
Walme
pa.
Thank you for your letter of 16 May enclosing a letter from Ms Jill Reynolds of 9 Meridian Vale, Clifton, Bristol about the report on Refugees and Asylum by the Sub-Committee on Race Relations and Immigration.
As I said during the two recent Adjournment Debates on the problem of Indo-Chinese refugees we are considering the report very carefully, and will reply to Parliament as soon as possible. As I am sure you will understand, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on the Committee's recommendations in advance of this reply.
I would however like to stress the point which I made in both Debates about the refugees who are currently in Hong Kong: having 5600 refugees in closed camps and an equal number in open ones is a situation which no Minister can consider satisfactory or desirable. We are anxious to find durable solutions for all the refugees as quickly as possible.
The specific question of admission to the UK of refugees with relatives in this country is of course a matter for the Home Office. I am therefore copying our correspondence to David Waddington in case he wishes to comment.
I enclose copies of the speeches which I made in the two Debates. You may like to pass these to Ms Reynolds. I am returning the enclosures to your letter, copies of which have been retained for our files.
William Waldegrave Esq MP
House of Commons
LONDON
SW1A OAA