TNAG-1425-FCO40-1908-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-general-1985 — Page 196

DEBATE: THURSDAY 9 MAY

MR CLIVE SOLE Y MP:

THE REUNION OF MISS MINH THI BUI AND HER FAMILY CURRENTLY LIVING IN A CLOSED CAMP IN HONG KONG

I congratulate the hon Member on securing an Adjournment

Debate on a case which is both, naturally, of deep concern to

his constituents [as he has eloquently explained] and also

raises the very topical general issue of Vietnamese refugees in

camps in Hong Kong.

2.

Before I turn to the details of the case of Miss Bui's

relatives, it may help the House to set it in context if I first

briefly outline the position of Vietnamese refugees in Hong

Kong.

3.

When the Vietnamese boat people first began arriving in

Hong Kong in the 1970s they were settled in open camps. These

camps afforded them a degree of security, and at the same time

they were free to come and go as they wished and to take

employment in Hong Kong. That remains the situation in the open

camps today. However, because of the continuing large numbers

of refugees arriving in Hong Kong and the pressures that that

imposed on a small crowded territory, "closed" camps had to be

introduced in July 1982. They were set up by the Hong Kong

authorities as a humane means of discouraging other Vietnamese

from coming to Hong Kong. All refugees arriving in Hong Kong

placed since July 1982 have been located to these camps. While they ? provide accommodation and meals, the inhabitants are not

permitted outside the camp boundaries and do not have the

opportunity to take employment. The Government of Hong Kong,

and ultimately my right hon Friend the Secretary of State for

Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the camps. in corperatan with

the UNHER? who helps to fund them.

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