relevant category (the general occupational class), 10,400 were employees of British undertakings. Hong Kong estimate that about 6,200 of these will be successful under the selection scheme. This represents a success rate of 60%, which is higher than for the private sector as a whole (53%). Current employees of British firms represent 19% of private sector applicants, but account for 22% of the places allocated under the general occupational class. These figures suggest that points for British links have worked broadly as intended and have given key personnel in British undertakings a small but significant advantage over equally-qualified applicants from non-British firms. I therefore see no need to amend the points scheme in respect of British links.
Chinese reaction
is that the
9. I understand that your officials' judgement Chinese are unlikely to react to these proposals given that they have already made their position clear on the original Scheme. As a safeguard, however, they intend to give them advance notice of the details.
10. Both sets of proposals seem sensible and uncontroversial and I invite OPD (K) colleagues' agreement to them. If I do not receive comments by 19 February, I will assume that colleagues are content for me to complete preparation of the Orders and arrange for them to be laid before Parliament.
11. I am copying this letter to the Prime Minister and other members of OPD(K), to the Lord President and to Sir Robin Butler.
18.2/JM
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