CONFIDENTIAL
WINTER SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES: VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
(a) Accommodation
Objectives
To explain why it was necessary for HMG to assist HKG by funding emergency accommodation and what the money has been used for.
—
To inform/explain that further funds have been approved for the
emergency accommodation and for a new long term camp.
Essential Points
Members will have seen beginning of problem during visit in late
April.
In May/June situation in Hong Kong became critical 9,000 arrivals in May and 9,500 in June. HKG appealed to HMG for urgent assistance - to build emergency accommodation.
HMG responded swiftly and positively: £4.5M for emergency accommodation. Money used for: construction of accommodation;
supply of tents and hire of ferries.
Situation continues to deteriorate: 34,000 arrivals this year, 650 odd departures. Need to help further.
HMG recently approved further funds: £5.6M to ensure temporary accommodation is secure/durable and £13M, £5M in current year, for long term camp to cope with next year's influx/ to allow
controversial camps to be closed.
Total amounts pledged/granted by HMG this year 7.95M. ?
15.1M to HKG for accommodation
E7.UM LO UNHCR for work in Hong Kong
EELAED
CONFIDENTIAL