THE PRIME MINISTER
#T MON
10 DOWNING STREET
LONDON SWIA 2AA
Ако
MUD.
Les
18
es/ur Sainsbury Miss Spence
НКО.
DX 22/2
22 February 1990
340/11
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
2 6 JUN 1990
27/2
Mer Paul
DESK OFFICER
R
INDEX
PA
Fi. Reprin
2612
Сы
Su
David
Thank you for your letter of 29 January about the admission of overseas nationals with entrepreneurial skills.
I very much welcome your interest, and as you know I fully
share the view that entrepreneurs have a crucial role to play in promoting and sustaining economic growth. Indeed the growth of
the small business sector during the 1980s reflects the
Government's concern that those with the flair, drive and ideas
to succeed in business should be given every opportunity to do
so.
I do not accept that the Immigration Rules which regulate the admission of entrepreneurs are unduly restrictive. It is certainly not our intention to exclude those who can bring positive benefits to this country. As you will understand, immigration policy has to balance a number of considerations. We have obligations, for example to the families of people
living here and to refugees, and we also have to ensure that we do not take in more people then we can absorb without placing undue pressure both on our social and economic infrastructure
and on community relations.
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