Presentation
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31. I believe that the passage of the Bill will be eased by being as open as we can to Parliament about the details of the scheme. A similar approach in HK will help to secure maximum
credibility for the scheme there and confidence that it is as fair as possible. This suggests that we should publish details of the occupational groupings, the numbers of places available for each, the chances of success in each group, the operation of the points
points system and the weightings to be given for the different factors. The exception, where it would be advisable
to be reticent, would be the Sensitive Services Scheme and I
think this would be justified on grounds of security.
32. We need also to consider what additional measures might be
effective to reduce likely opposition to the Bill, particularly
in the UK. These might include careful briefing for the media,
further discussions with our backbenchers and selected opposition
members, and the provision of comprehensive briefing for members
at the time of introduction. In HK, Peter Lloyd's visit at the
beginning of April will be of particular value.
Conclusion and Recommendations
33.
I invite colleagues to:
a)
b)
agree that the approved secondment scheme should not
be proceeded with (paragraph 5);
endorse the broad structure of the scheme outlined in
paragraphs 6-27, subject to decisions on the following
recommendations:
i) that those broad occupational groups having an emigration rate of 1% or lower should be excluded
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