TNAG-1853-FCO40-2628-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 49

CONFIDENTIAL

WINTER SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES: VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

(a) Accommodation

Objectives

To explain why it was necessary for HMG to assist HKG by funding emergency accommodation and what the money has been used for.

—

To inform/explain that further funds have been approved for the

emergency accommodation and for a new long term camp.

Essential Points

Members will have seen beginning of problem during visit in late

April.

In May/June situation in Hong Kong became critical 9,000 arrivals in May and 9,500 in June. HKG appealed to HMG for urgent assistance - to build emergency accommodation.

HMG responded swiftly and positively: £4.5M for emergency accommodation. Money used for: construction of accommodation;

supply of tents and hire of ferries.

Situation continues to deteriorate: 34,000 arrivals this year, 650 odd departures. Need to help further.

HMG recently approved further funds: £5.6M to ensure temporary accommodation is secure/durable and £13M, £5M in current year, for long term camp to cope with next year's influx/ to allow

controversial camps to be closed.

Total amounts pledged/granted by HMG this year 7.95M. ?

15.1M to HKG for accommodation

E7.UM LO UNHCR for work in Hong Kong

EELAED

CONFIDENTIAL