TNAG-1532-FCO40-2096-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-closed-camp-policy-1986 — Page 107

in Hong Kong, i f this formed

and

at

part of a package aimed at reducing

drastically the size of Hong Kong's refugee populati on resettling all those whose stay in camps has been prolonged.

6.

closed

The Home Affairs Committee also recommended abolition of

camps: HMG have responded that they are unable to accept this

recommendation.

7.

Since the Home Secretary's announcement we have pressed other

resettlement countries to follow the UK's lead in accepting more

refugees from the camps in Hong Kong. Although it is too early to assesS the results of this campaign, some (eg Australia and Canada)

have already agreed to accept more refugees and we hope that others

will also respond favourably.

8.

Mr Ashdown secured an adjournment debate in May 1985 on the

subject of closed camps. He has also shown interest in other Hong Kong subjects, and spoke most recently during the Commons debate on

the Hong Kong draft Nationality Order on 16 January.