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In regard to the maximum cash security of $250, I sincerely trust that the amount normally demanded will be small, in strict accordance to the status of the individual, and the distance from home in relation to repatriation, and that the maximum or the larger amounts will be demanded only on rare occasions. It is my view that every visitor of means is an economic asset to the Colony.
At the present moment there is a large number of Chinese, who are under the false impression that, according to the Immigration Bill, it is necessary to possess Residence Certificates, before they are permitted to reside in the Colony. Despite previous announcements, I should like to urge that the Government should do its utmost to remove such false impressions by makin” clear announcements designed to achieve this end. I believe this action would result also in diminishing the large number of applicants, who are at present thronging the immigration premises. (Applause.)
Hon. Mr. W. N. T. TAM. Your Excellency, While I have no hesitation in supporting this Bill, it is nevertheless with a sense of regret that such a measure should have been found necessary for Hong Kong.
Men of goodwill must deplore legislation anywhere and in any form which has the effect of curtailing the liberty of the individual to travel or to establish residence; for such restrictions often create misunderstanding and discontent among peoples and can have no place in a desirable world order.
My Senior colleague has made it clear that the Chinese members of this Council are supporting this measure only because they can find no other practical solution to the problems confronting us in Hong Kong. It is an imperfect remedy; but readily accepted in the hope of removing a greater imperfection.
As an example of our difficulties, we need only look at our social services, for which incessant and increasing demands have been made on our finances both public and private. While not wishing to shirk our proper responsibilities, it is obvious that there is a limit to our resources. Our hospitals are overcrowded, the refugee camps are full. There is congestion in our prisons and our known charitable institutions are taxed to capacity.
I am convinced that there is no intention on the part of Government to be unsympathetic towards those who desire to find asylum here. These people are still welcome, if they can take care of themselves or be cared for; but to those who may become a public burden as soon as they arrive, this Colony is reluctantly compelled to close its gates.
It is regrettable to have to turn away those who have no means of livelihood; but unless we can feed them or offer them work, it is a dubious privilege for them to be admitted only to starve in our streets.
The charitably inclined will no doubt bear in mind that the scope for their good work remains the same. While the destitute may not come here, they are still present in alarming numbers besides the many who remain in adjacent territories and need help.
On grounds of humanity it is hoped that restrictions will be relaxed to admit those who may have to suffer bombing in the future, although the area to which admission may be given may only be a small one and confined to the New Territories.