TNAG-1734-FCO40-2447-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 204

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Liaison

possible for something of this nature to be taken up at the Joint

(JLG)

Group since both China and Britain and the Hong Kong Government

are very concerned about preserving Hong Kong's prosperity and

continued economic prosperity?

SECRETARY FOR SECURITY:

Sir, the 27,000 persons per year

who come into Hong Kong are mostly coming for family renunion.

men, women and children of all ages; I do not but

They

are

(See

have the breakdown it is possible that this could be obtained

from the Immigration Department. I shall certainly consult the

Immigration Department about that matter and let Mr. Hilton

CHEONG-LEEN have a written reply on that particular point.

Annex V) The purpose of these people coming in is not for

employment; they are not workers in the sense that Mr. SOHMEN

Whether this is a matter for the JLG

was

referring.

or not to consider is rather outside my policy branch's area,

but this is something which I shall consult the Chief Secretary

about.

MR. TAM (In Cantonese) : Sir, will the Government change its

present immigration policy and if it will, has the Government

the considered the impact this may have on local labour market and

society?

SECRETARY FOR SECURITY:

Sir, the Administration is well aware

of the tight labour market in Hong Kong and the concern that has

been expressed in some quarters. It is currently reviewing the

.problems associated with this situation within the framework

of existing legislation.