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15. Will the UK make a new resettlement commitment?
We remain very conscious of the plight of those refugees in Hong Kong who are awaiting resettlement. We are now actively
considering all aspects of this problem including resettlement.
In the meantime, our existing resettlement programme is
continuing. Since 1975 we have accepted some 20,000 Indo Chinese
refugees for resettlement in this country. Over 13,000 of these
have been Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong. This is the third highest number taken from Hong Kong, after the US and Canada.
16.
Others expect the UK to take a lead on resettlement. Now is
the time to act.
We are very conscious that others look to the UK to take a lead
in resettling refugees from Hong Kong. This is one of the factors we will be taking into account when considering the possibility of
an additional UK commitment.
17.
Rate of intake into Britain
The reception of refugees puts considerable demands on local resources, and it has been our judgement that a flow of around 20 a month from Hong Kong is about right, given our stretched resources. In considering the scope for further resettlement we shall of course be considering very carefully whether local resources have the capacity to cope with more. The voluntary agencies have an important role to play, and the Government ensures that they receive
adequate financial support.
18.
Resettlement elsewhere
Our diplomatic campaign to secure further resettlement places for boat people from Hong Kong is a major priority. I can assure
the House that we will persist in our efforts to persuade
resettlement countries to do more for Hong Kong.