§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the present situation regarding illegal immigration from China into Hong Kong; how many illegal immigrants are landing on average per week, month or year; what action has been or is being taken to prevent these illegal immigrants landing and settling in the United Kingdom; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BlakerIn the first 10 months of this year 80,000 illegal immigrants were arrested on entry into Hong Kong and returned to China: an estimated 70,000 evaded arrest and stayed in Hong Kong. Since 23 October identity cards have not been issued to newly arrived illegal immigrants and it is now illegal to employ such people. From August to late October an average of over 400 illegal immigrants were being arrested and repatriated each day. Since 29 October this has dropped to 62 per day. There has never been any question of illegal immigrants being landed in Hong Kong for settlement in the United Kingdom. A copy of a Hong Kong Government information paper giving the background to this problem has been placed in the Library of the House.