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pressed to find accommodation for the new intake. However with
initial selection of refugees on the basis proposed, we think that
an expansion of existing language training programmes provided in
camps in Hong Kong and, after arrival in the UK, good linkages into
the new Employment Training programme (which provides individual
assessments and training programmes to enhance the employment and
self employment prospects of those using it) can reduce previous
difficulties.
12. In terms of resources we estimate that up to an additional £0.5
million in each year will be needed from the Home Office for grant
aid to voluntary organisations working with these refugees.
Obviously they will also use the existing statutory services on the
basis of need but actual refugee uptake of services is not monitored
by either service providers or the Home Office.
We obtain only very generalised pictures of the circumstances of refugees in this
country from voluntary organisations working with them. However at a rate of only 480 new arrivals each year the burden falling on any
one service is likely to be containable. Moreover the current
package of proposals aims to improve prospects for self sufficiency
and thus enable an early contribution to the economy to be made.
13. There is still a fund of goodwill towards these people and the
need for an additional resettlement effort would be well understood
in this country. We believe that a package of this kind is an
appropriate response which should trigger significant new
commitments from other countries. We should be grateful for
confirmation that you would be content for us to proceed on these
lines. We would aim to announce the decision early in the next
session.
14. Copies of this minute go to Nigel Lawson, Nicholas Ridley,
Norman Fowler, Chris Patten, other members of H Committee and
Sir Robin Butler.
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