cope with as many as 60 per month (as opposed to 20 per
We are more cautious:
month
present).
we believe that
the figure of 40 per month represents the rate at which
new arrivals could be integrated into our society by our
existing facilities: it is a rate with which they have
effectively coped in the past. If sustained over a
period of 2 years this would amount to an additional
commitment of 1000. Details of a possible package on
these lines are attached in an annex to this minute.
9.
In both
One important feature of the proposed package is
that it introduces the concept of selecting individuals
on the basis of skills or private sponsorship.
cases we would be looking for people who have a greater
ability to adapt to life in this country and to make a
success of the opportunity we are offering. The Hong
Kong Government would assist in identifying the best
possible candidates for us.
10. We have in the past had problems with resettling
boat people here. But a more rigorous selection
procedure should help to minimise these. There is
moreover still a fund of goodwill towards these people
and the need for an additional resettlement effort would
pe well understood in this country. We belive that a
package on the lines proposed, which would effectively
last the life of the current Parliament,
is an
appropriate response and will trigger significant new
commitments from other countries. We should be grateful
for contirmation that you would be content for us
to