TNAG-1751-FCO40-2471-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 115

PTAABS

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES

RESETTLEMENT IN THE UK

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Since 1975 we have accepted some 20,000 Indo-Chinese refugees for

resettlement in this country. Nearly 13,000 of these have been Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong. This is the third highest

number taken from Hong Kong, after the US and Canada. It is a

substantial commitment to Hong Kong; an honourable record of which

we can be proud.

My rt hon friend the Home Secretary announced in May last year that

Britain will be accepting a further 468 Vietnamese refugees from

Hong Kong with relatives in this country. So far over 150 have been

resettled under this programme.

FURTHER RESETTLEMENT IN UK/PRESSURE FROM HONG KONG

I am well aware of the great concern in Hong Kong about

Vietnamese refugee issues. We are of course conscious of our

responsibility to the territory and we are doing everything possible

to help relieve Hong Kong of its refugee burden.

I have to say

Our latest decision to accept a further 468 Vietnamese refugees

from Hong Kong represents a significant commitment given the

immigration pressures we must face from elsewhere.

that at this stage our resettlement commitments have been extended

as far as possible. We cannot at present announce any further

moves.

Rate of intake into Britain

The resettlement of refugees in Britain is primarily a matter for my rt hon. Friend the Home Secretary. But my understanding is that in one and another the reception of refugees puts considerable demands on local resources, and that it is judged that a gradual flow of around 20 a month is the most easily handled. The voluntary agencies have an important role to play, and the government ensures

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