TNAG-0094-FCO40-130-Control-of-immigration-into-UK-from-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 57

CONFIDENTIAL

importance to the territories of their migrants varies considerably and their employment and population problems are of different kinds. In general it is clear that migration is an economic help to the territories (a great help to some of them) and even a modest increase in the flow would be beneficial.

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It is of political importance that the United Kingdom should demonstrate their special concern for those territories which are still dependent and for whose well-being they are responsible; particular those which are under external pressure (e.g. Gibraltar and Hong Kong). Migration possibilities are of particular public interest in the dependent territories, a number of which have expressed their anxiety about the adverse effect upon them of the

One demonstra- operation of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1962.

tion of the U.K. interest and responsibility would be special arrangements within that Act, as long as the arrangements were flexible and able to meet changing political, social and economic needs in the territories.

5. In practical terms the dependent territories suffer from being lumped in with independent countries from which very large numbers of applications are received, with consequent long delays in the queue. Some 1,200 applications are received each year from belongers to the dependent territories and only 340 vouchers are issued each year. The simplest form of arrangement to help the dependent territories would be to place applications in respect of their belongers on a separate list and issue vouchers against a separate quota, as the Maltese are treated at present.

Reactions to the Proposal

6. It is considered that Parliamentary and public opinion in the United Kingdom would approve steps taken to help the dependent territories. There is not likely to be any adverse reaction from independent Commonwealth countries to such a move as long as we could assure them that they would suffer no loss of employment

vouchers themselves.

Source of a Quota

7. It would not be appropriate to increase the total number of employment vouchers now available and therefore any additional vouchers given to the dependent territories would (under the present rules) be at the expense of the independent Commonwealth countries. I should wish to avoid this. However, if the Committee accept the other proposal being made about doctors, teachers and science graduates, a certain number of vouchers will be freed and could be reallocated. The number available will depend upon the exact nature of the proposals accepted, but I hope that enough will be freed for an adequate quota to be given to the dependent territories.

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CONFIDENTIAL