services.
Garrison.
The section
would cover the police, prison,
immigration, customs, fire and auxiliary airforce services, as
well as the independent commission against corruption and the
Places will be allocated to these services in
proportion to their staff numbers. Applicants will be assessed
on a points system similar to that already described but adjusted
to take account of the needs of each service.
Finally, the sensitive services section will provide for people
who, as a consequence of service to Hong Kong or United Kingdom
interests in either a civilian or military role, would be
especially vulnerable or exposed after 1997.
and
Mr Speaker, this is a scheme for key workers, not for a wealthy
and influential elite. It makes provision for policemen, nurses
teachers as well as for managers,
administrators and
businessmen. I do not believe that it will be divisive and the
reactions so far in Hong Kong lend no credence to such claims.
These proposals will contribute to the stability and prosperity
of the territory, and in doing so they will benefit the community
as a whole.
Suggestions that this Bill betrays the Government's lack of
confidence in the joint declaration or that it will reinforce
uncertainty about the future among those not selected do not
stand up to scrutiny. It is a fact of life that, following the
events in China last June, confidence in Hong Kong declined to
a low ebb. The Bill is designed to tackle that problem. Far
from undermining confidence, it will bolster it.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.