TNAG-1802-FCO40-2562-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-resettlement-in-the-UK-1988 — Page 201

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pressed to find accommodation for the new intake. However with

initial selection of refugees on the basis proposed, we think that

an expansion of existing language training programmes provided in

camps in Hong Kong and, after arrival in the UK, good linkages into

the new Employment Training programme (which provides individual

assessments and training programmes to enhance the employment and

self employment prospects of those using it) can reduce previous

difficulties.

12. In terms of resources we estimate that up to an additional £0.5

million in each year will be needed from the Home Office for grant

aid to voluntary organisations working with these refugees.

Obviously they will also use the existing statutory services on the

basis of need but actual refugee uptake of services is not monitored

by either service providers or the Home Office.

We obtain only very generalised pictures of the circumstances of refugees in this

country from voluntary organisations working with them. However at a rate of only 480 new arrivals each year the burden falling on any

one service is likely to be containable. Moreover the current

package of proposals aims to improve prospects for self sufficiency

and thus enable an early contribution to the economy to be made.

13. There is still a fund of goodwill towards these people and the

need for an additional resettlement effort would be well understood

in this country. We believe that a package of this kind is an

appropriate response which should trigger significant new

commitments from other countries. We should be grateful for

confirmation that you would be content for us to proceed on these

lines. We would aim to announce the decision early in the next

session.

14. Copies of this minute go to Nigel Lawson, Nicholas Ridley,

Norman Fowler, Chris Patten, other members of H Committee and

Sir Robin Butler.

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