already compiled evidence of a number of individuals who
would have left Hong kong but who have decided to stay, as a direct result of our proposals. But even if they
did all come here they would certainly not be a burden
to this country. They would be some of the most
enterprising and talented people from one of the most
successful economies seen this century, who could start
immediately to make a contribution.
As the Prime Minister has made clear on a number of
occasions, it would simply not be possible to give right of abode in the UK to all 3.28 million British Dependent
Territory citizens in Hong Kong. That would be an
enormous new immigration commitment on an unprecedented
scale. It would be irresponsible for this Government to
make commitments or raise expectations which no future
Government could meet. For that reason our scheme
necessarily focusses on some of the most talented and
enterprising people in Hong Kong people upon whose
presence Hong Kong's future success depends. But we are
aiming to minimise the divisiveness of the scheme:
selection will be on the basis of value of service to
Hong Kong, not of wealth or influence.
Now that the necessary legislation is in place, the application procedure will begin. The scheme will be
strictly limited in numbers, scope and duration: all
applications will be processed by 30 June 1997 when the
scheme will end. The legislation will be ring-fenced to
ensure that it cannot bring about wider changes in the Government's immigration policy.
We have for some months now been encouraging our
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