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We
You
The Government share the concern felt by many people in Hong Kong about the emigration of talented people from the territory and about the impact of this on Hong Kong's economy and administration. will already be aware of the measures we have decided to take to tackle this problem. I enclose a copy of the statement which Douglas Hurd made in the House of Commons on 20 December giving the
details.
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Our aim is to give the key people in the public and private sectors in the territory the assurance needed to persuade them to remain in Hong Kong. This will take the form of full British citizenship and will be awarded without the beneficiary ever having to leave the territory. In setting a ceiling on the scheme 50,000 householders or about 225,000 people in all we have had to balance our desire to be as effective as possible in restoring confidence in Hong Kong against our ability to accept the individuals concerned for settlement in this country, should/that ever be necessary.,
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In devising the scheme we have taken account of the representations from companies in Hong Kong and this country about the need to retain their key managers and commercial and technical personnel if they are to remain competitive and profitable. Our scheme provides for people in these categories. In addition, we are introducing a further measure the approved secondments scheme described in the statement designed specifically to help companies overcome the problem of retaining key personnel. I hope that British companies. will take full advantage of the opportunities it offers.
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We intend to introduce the necessary legislation at the earliest opportunity. We shall also continue our efforts to maintain confidence in Hong Kong, through the implementation of the provisions of the Joint Declaration, by mobilising international support for and investment in the territory and by administering Hong Kong to the best of our ability in the remaining 8 years of
British rule.