TNAG-1665-FCO40-2314-Hong-Kong-employment-issues-and-ordinances-foreign-domestic-1987 — Page 103

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present level of 200 (of which there is a maximum level of 150 for

any one territory in practice Hong Kong).

4.

In 1982 agreement was reached with the Home Office and the

Department of Employment (who administer the scheme) that the Quota

should remain at 200 but that there should be a thorough review of the scheme. The review has never taken place, and Ministers have agreed in subsequent years that the Quote should be brought forward. at existing levels, pending the review.

5.

From our point of view the reasons for a retention of the Quota still hold good: its abolition would be a blow to Hong Kong in particular be interpreted there as yet another example of the

L weakening of HMG's commitment to the territory.

In view of the

heavy demand for catering staff from Hong Kong, a case for an increase in its share of the Quota could be made, although this

would have to await the outcome of the review. We should also

remind that we would wish to be kept informed about progress on the review, although there must be some doubt about whether the Home

Office are ever going to carry it out. The attached draft follows the line taken by Mr Eggar last year: copies last year's

correspondence are attached.

A.2. Pane

A R Paul

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