TNAG-0890-FCO40-1100-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 29

BACKGROUND NOTE BY THE HOME OFFICE

WILL BRITAIN TAKE MORE REFUGEES?

1. The Government's recent decisions on the mv Sibonga and

mv Roach Bank have committed the country to receiving approximately

1,200 more Vietnamese. The House will also be aware that the

Home Secretary recently confirmed that the Government have

accepted the previous Administration's commitment to a quota of

1,500 refugees from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand.

2.

There are many other claims and pressures on this country's

resources and our ability to absorb large numbers of newcomers is

limited.

3. The problems caused by a large inflow go beyond those of

simply providing reception accommodation; they include housing,

employment, language and the lack of any substantial established

community in this country. Also it would greatly strain the

resources of the voluntary refugee organisation who already receive

fiancial assistance and other practical help from the Government.

In such a situation there would inevitably be a greater need for

more Government assistance.