MOME

SECRETARY

HKD xc Pg

PS/Lord Caithness

Mr Mclaren QUEEN ANNE'S GATE LONDON SWIH 9AT Mr Burns

Legal Advisers

17 December 1990

WIAD

PRU

Im

Michael

Marrick

18/2

DEPENDENT TERRITORIES QUOTA

You wrote to David Waddington on 26 November seeking comments on the text

of the announcement of the reduced quota for 1991.

I agree with Douglas Hurd that the decision needs to be presented slightly differently. We must be careful not to suggest that the citizenship arrangements under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990 will offer the same benefits as the work permit quota. I think, however, that the decision to reduce the quota needs some explanation and I suggest the attached alternative form of words, which makes clear that a special allocation of work permits for Hong Kong would be inconsistent with our objective of encouraging people to remain in the Territory.

I agree that this announcement should be made as soon as possible but separately from the announcement about the review of the work permit scheme, about which I am writing to you separately.

I am copying this letter to members of OPD(K), the Attorney General, the Chief Whip, Sir Percy Craddock and to Sir Robin Butler.

The Rt Hon Michael Howard, MP. Secretary of State for Employment Caxton House

Tothill Street

LONDON, S.W.1.

mith

Mc Morris

W 18/12

QUESTION

DRAFT WRITTEN PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, whether a decision has yet been made

on a special annual quota for 1991 of work permits for workers from the Dependent Territories whose level of skill is below that required by the general work permit scheme.

DRAFT REPLY

It has been decided that there should be a quota for 1991 of 50 for use by

Dependent Territories other than Hong Kong. An allocation of special permits for

people from Hong Kong to work in the United Kingdom would be inconsistent with the

objectives of the Government's scheme to grant British citizenship to 50,000 Hong Kong

families and given them the assurance to remain in the territory.

HOME

SECRETARY

HKD

PS/Lord Caithness

Mr Mclaren QUEEN ANNE'S GATE LONDON SWIH 9AT

Mr Burns

Legal Advisers WIAD

PRU

Im Michael

Morriek

18/12

HKD 213/1

17 December 1990- RECEIVED JA DI

DEPENDENT TERRITORIES QUOTA

INDC

31 DEC 1990 -The Pant

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You wrote to David Waddington on 26 November seeking comments on the text

of the announcement of the reduced quota for 1991.

I agree with Douglas Hurd that the decision needs to be presented slightly differently. We must be careful not to suggest that the citizenship arrangements under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990 will offer the same benefits as the work permit quota. I think, however, that the decision to reduce the quota needs some explanation and I suggest the attached alternative form of words, which makes clear that a special allocation of work permits for Hong Kong would be inconsistent with our objective of encouraging people to remain in the Territory.

I agree that this announcement should be made as soon as possible but separately from the announcement about the review of the work permit scheme, about which I am writing to you separately.

I am copying this letter to members of OPD(K), the Attorney General, the Chief Whip, Sir Percy Craddock and to Sir Robin Butler.

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lalter?

fr...

The Rt Hon Michael Howard, MP. Secretary of State for Employment

Caxton House

Tothill Street

LONDON, S.W.1.

Margtris

19/12

muth

19/12

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