Hong Kong, if this
formed
population and at
part of a package aimed at reducing
drastically the size of Hong Kong's refugee
resettling all those whose stay in camps has been prolonged.
6.
The Home Affairs Committee also recommended abolition of
closed camps: HMG have responded that they are unable to accept this
recommendation.
7.
Since the Home Secretary's announcement we have pressed other
resettlement countries to follow the UK's lead in accepting more
refugees from the camps in Hong Kong. Although it is too early to
assess the results of this campaign, some (eg Australia and Canada)
have already agreed to accept more refugees and we hope that others
will also respond favourably.
8.
Mr Ashdown secured an adjournment debate in May 1985 on the
subject of closed camps. He has also shown interest in other Hong
Kong subjects, and spoke most recently during the Commons debate on
the Hong Kong draft Nationality Order on 16 January.