§ 11. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether measures to prevent illegal immigration into Hong Kong have proved effective; what is the present rate of emigration; what further progress has been made during the past 12 months in providing domestic accommodation; and what is the approximate percentage and number of unemployed in this territory.
§ Mrs. WhiteIllegal immigration has fallen to well under 300 persons per month and the measures to contain it are satisfactory.
Comprehensive figures for emigration are not available and no worthwhile estimates can be given.
Since 1st December, 1963, Government and Government-assisted housing has been provided for some 183,000 persons. Private building for residential purposes completed since that date may represent additional accommodation for nearly 150,000 persons.
Unemployment in the Colony is thought to be even lower than the 1.7 per cent. (or 21,000 people) recorded by the 1961 census.