TNAG-2191-FCO40-3128-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 37

CONFIDENTIAL

(3)

Redacted under FOI Exemption S 27(1).

HONG KONG ASSURANCES: SPEAKING NOTE FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO

USE WITH THE HOME SECRETARY

My discussion with Dame Lydia Dunn on 1 March, and other feedback

we have received from Hong Kong, have reinforced my conviction that

it is absolutely essential that we get this package through

Parliament. It would be a major blow to confidence if we should

fail.

-

Am therefore most grateful for the personal efforts you have been

making to smooth the passage of the legislation through Parliament.

You have my full support in this.

Have seen your OD(K) Memorandum in draft. A most impressive

piece of work. Glad that our officials have been able to work so

closely together

But

As you have seen from my minute of 2 March, I agree with your view that the 7 occupational groups with an emigration rate of 1% or lower should be excluded from the general allocation scheme. hope you share my view about resisting exclusion of other occupational groups now catered for. Danger that if package appears too elitist criticism in Hong Kong will play back here. Risk of

losing support of well disposed members of Opposition.

My minute also raises two points of substance:

(a) Approved Secondments Scheme: should not underestimate

importance some British companies attach to this Scheme, whose

support will be valuable in persuading waverers of merits of

package.

BUGABJ

CONFIDENTIAL