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But let us remember
remember that all the parties involved in this problem - the Vietnamese, UNHCR and the international community at large, accept that there must be comprehensive arrangements to cover boat people not only in Hong Kong but in the region as a whole.
It has been said that Britain's record on resettling boat
people here is dismal: can we not do more?
We have an honourable record.
Since 1975, 20,000 refugees from Indo China have come to Britain -13,000 are Vietnamese boat people from Hong Kong.
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Our current resettlement programme which will take us up to
is about 20 a month. May of next year
Even this puts a
considerable strain on the local authorities involved.
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A further programme is under active consideration.
We have already taken in more refugees from Vietnam than any other place in the world.
Resettling people in strong Countries creates real difficulties
to which there are no easy answers. facilities for training, housing etc It is something we must get right;
If we are to get it right, the should not be overstretched.
and we have up to now.