CONFIDENTIAL
(b) Occupational Groups
The Home Secretary wishes to exclude the lower level
occupational groups from the scheme. He is concerned that
offering even token eligibility to the lesser skilled groups
could be attacked by opponents of the Bill on the grounds that these are not "key" personnel. But exluding in this way 2
million of the 2.6 million working population from even a remote
chance of success, we would be vulnerable to attack on grounds
of elitism. More worringly, if we exclude the category "secretarial and clerical staff" from eligibility we would be
ruling out the majority of staff from British institutions.
(c)
Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)
3.
(d) Top Businessmen
The Home Secretary is unhappy about the degree of discretion
proposed to enable the screening group to ensure that
entrepreneurs in the Li Ka Shing category are offered passports.
He would prefer that they apply as normal but discretion be
given to disregard the age factor where necessary. thinks a quota should be set for such people.
He also
It may be necessary for the Secretary of State to have an
urgent word with Mr Waddington before the end of the week I will submit a detailed speaking note as necessary.
Arianc
A R Paul
CONFIDENTIAL