TNAG-0911-FCO40-1121-Policy-on-housing-and-resettlement-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 96

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Mr Quarner

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McClurg, Parliamentary Unit, W58A NWilliam J. 10.2.

"BOAT PEOPLE"

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1. We spoke this afternoon about the confusion which had arisen over the use of the phrase "boat people", In a number of recent PQs tabled by Mr Robert Parry (Liverpool-Scotland Exchange). In particular, this has been wrongly interpreted by the staff of Hansard to mean refugees; I have already drawn your attention to the headings "Hong Kong(Refugees)" in Hansard Written Angers Col.550 of the 14 February and Col.611 of the 15 February.

2.

As mentioned in our submission of 7 February, the "boat people" in this case are not boat refugees from Vietnam, but Hong Kong residents who, lacking permanent accommodation ashore, reside on boats moored mainly in Typhoon shelters in Hong Kong. A more accurate description would be "boat dwellers".

3. I should be grateful if, as we agreed, you would bring these errors to the attention of the editors of Hansard. I understand that if we act now it may be possible to alter the headings before the bound volumes of Hansard are produced.

HKK 360/2 360/2

LIVED IN REGISTY NO. 51

20 FEB 1979

INDEX

PA

Action

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en

fvo

CLE

16 February 1979

NA Ling

Hong Kong and General Department K242

233 3988

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