SECRET AND PERSONAL
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Redacted under FOI Exemption S 27(1)
through the points system. Equally, it was not enough to leave selection entirely to the Governor's discretion. They should have a category of their own, with the Home Secretary able to confer citizenship on the basis of their outstanding service and contribution to Hong Kong. The Home Secretary undertook to consider this further.
There was a brief discussion of the Secondment Scheme. It was agreed that the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary would pursue this further and reach an agreed position before OD(K).
The Prime Minister concluded that the OD(K) paper should be revised to take account of the points agreed in discussion. In particular, the number of occupational groups under the General Allocation Scheme would be drastically reduced (I enclose a list of those which the Prime Minister suggests should be eliminated altogether): and special arrangements should be made for leading entrepreneurs. The meeting of OD(K) would be set for the following week, in the hope that the Bill could still be introduced before Easter.
I am copying this letter to Stephen Wall (Foreign and Commonwealth Office).
Colin Walters Esq Home Office
yem
picerer
CHARLES POWELL
SECRET AND PERSONAL