TNAG-1781-FCO40-2541-Employment-in-Hong-Kong-various-ordinances-1988 — Page 4

MINISTER OF STATE

Mr Ham, HKD

To co-ordinare advice please

Our Ref: IMG/85 13/57/1

Dear Kum

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Mr McLaren

Robert Court (Ps/hord Otcarthur)

19/12

HOME OFFICE

QUEEN ANNE'S GATE

LONDON SWIH 9AT

19 DEC 1988

DEC 1988)

Thank you for your letter of 3 November about the Dependent Territories work permit quota for 1989. I have also seen a copy of Simon Glenarthur's letter to you of 22 November.

I am content for the quota for 1989 to remain at its present level of 200 permits, and I agree with your proposals for announcing this decision.

I am glad that you think it reasonable to look to the abolition of the quota after 1996. I note, however, Simon Glenarthur's view that a decision about the future of the quota can only be taken nearer to that time and that there may be arguments for continuing it, not only for the remaining Dependent Territories but also for Hong Kong.

I must say that we would be very reluctant to contemplate making this special facility available in relation to Hong Kong when she ceases to be a Dependent Territory; and the fact that the principal beneficiary will cease to be a Dependent Territory must also make it very questionable whether it is right to continue the scheme as a whole thereafter. It is, from the point of view of our firm immigration policy, a very anomalous arrangement, and in looking ahead to the 1990s I think we should bear clearly in mind the extent to which the European Community will be a source of potential employees.

For my own part, therefore, I continue to think that we should be looking to end the quota after 1996.

I am copying this letter to Simon Glenarthur.

HKC 210/1

John Lee Esq MP

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