As part of this balance we welcome people from overseas who have a positive contribution to make. For example, the work permit scheme enables employers to bring in people with skills
which are not available here. There are also specific provisions to enable people to come, and ultimately settle here, to start a new business or to expand an existing one. This obviously has to be regulated to ensure that the people admitted will genuinely benefit the United Kingdcm. Thus the prospective businessmen has to show that he will be running a business in which he has invested at least £150,000, he will be creating employment and he will be able to support himself and his family without public funds.
This level of regulation should not act as a barrier to genuine entrepreneurs. Our posts abroad certainly discuss these arrangements with people who may be interested in investing in the United Kingdom and encourage them to take advantage of the opportunity. But we would welcome greater interest and I should be delighted if you were able to spread word of these arrangements in business communities overseas.
Meanwhile I look forward to seeing you here on the 26th.