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and in Hong Kong. Working up the schemes is plainly our top priority, and the Bill team that we have set up in the Immigration and Nationality Department will straightaway get down to discussions with a group of Hong Kong officials who are coming to the UK next week. I will keep you in touch with progress.
Timing
It follows from what I have said that the main constraint on timing is the detailed preparation of the selection schemes that will have to be operated in Hong Kong by the Governor. Given that the Hong Kong officials will doubtless have to refer back for instructions, and the possible need for discussions to take place in Hong Kong itself, I am loath to commit myself to a timetable at this early stage. I am, however, setting my officials the ambitious target of having the Bill ready by Easter if this can possibly be achieved. I am sure there is no chance whatsoever of going any faster than that, and this very difficult work could well take longer.
Other Matters
As to the Dependent Territories Quota, I should have preferred to see it go entirely but as you attach some importance to it continuing in a very limited form I am content with your proposal to retain a quota of 50 work permits for the other Dependent Territories.
I shall shortly be replying separately to Tom King's letter of 21 December in which he proposes, in effect, that 2,000 places within the 50,000 ceiling should be set aside for MOD locally engaged staff. My main concerns are that allocated places are inconsistent with the nature of the scheme and that the figure proposed would take up a significant proportion of the limited allocation available to the public sector. It follows I would be grateful if his officials could be invited to explore with mine what room for action might be available under existing powers to deal with MOD concerns.
I am copying this letter to the Prime Minister and other members of OD(K), the Secretary of State for Employment, the Attorney General, the Chief Whip, Sir Percy Cradock and Sir Robin Butler.
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