TNAG-1728-FCO40-2441-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 178

(@))

1

4

∞ a

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

M25

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2272

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

4.32pm

Last year, some $126 million was spent on

and a larger refugees from the public purse, expenditure is envisaged this year if a

20

fourth closed camp is to be built. Whitehall has warned that it would be im- proper for Hong Kong to shun its obligations as a place of first assylum for the refugees. What about Britain's obligations towards

Has it fulfilled Hong Kong in this matter then? its responsibility to us by accepting only about twenty Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong per month, while choosing instead to take refugees directly from Vietnam for family reunions? And how can we expect other coun- tries to help out if Britain declines to take the lead in the resettlement of refugees from Hong Kong? Repeated calls have been made to the British Government to help tackle the problem but to our total disappointment, no positive actions have been taken so far. Britain should respond to Hong Kong's needs, and acquiese to Hong Kong relinquishing the role of first port of assylum, and it must Cal respond quickly.

Sir, the fact that Hong Kong reaped a record surplus for the last financial year would, I

But we should not believe, be envied by many. be complacent about the Government's healthy financies and must continue to strive hard

to keep Hong Kong prosperous, no matter.how rugged the road ahead may be.

Sir, I support the Bill.

HIS EXCELLENCY: THE Members might like to take a short break at

PRESIDENT:

34

35

36

4.48pm

this point.