B
C
of boat people selected for resettlement in the UK. UNHCR already has ambitious targets for improving educational standards in refugee schools. These include higher English standards. The draft lays particular stress on the measures that will be taken to enhance the potential of the candidates for resettlement to adapt to life in this country.
5. The draft has been discussed extensively with the Home Office and also with officials in the Department of the Environment and the Treasury. The Home Office have had to ensure that the reception facilities will be able to cope with an increased flow: this will necessitate additional funds (grant in aid to the Voluntary Agencies and training bodies of £ million). DOE officials are concerned about the strain that a new intake would impose on housing in the affected parts of the country: the point is covered in paragraph 11 of the draft. The Treasury have requested a more detailed evaluation of the resource implications of a new commitment (eg social security payments and other benefits) and a more precise definition of what we hope to achieve by way of commitments from
These points have been covered in paragraphs 12 and 5. The draft sets out the political case for a new resettlement in terms with which the Secretary of State is already familiar.
6. If the Secretary of State or the Home Secretary have any comments on the draft, it should be possible to take account of those direct contacts between Private offices. I suggest that the minute once agreed, should be finalised in the FCO, signed by the Secretary of State, and sent to the Home Office for Mr Hurd's signature. The Home Office would be content with this.
AR Panc
AR PAUL
CONFIDENTIAL
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