18
No additional staff or financial resources will be requried for the implementation of these proposals.
Public Relations
19
The proposed amendments have wide reaching implications for the public. It is likely that in general terms they will be acceptable, and in some cases, such as the provision not to issue an identity card to an illegal immigrant before his stay is regularised, they will be welcomed. However, there will be a need to explain the proposed amendments clearly. In particular publicity should stress that:
(a) the proposals will not make it an offence for a person
to use more than one name except insofar as his official dealings with Government are concerned; and
(b) though increased penalties are to be introduced for
evasion of the new legislation, Government will ensure that the public is given regular and adequate notice of its obligations (e.g. for the registration of juveniles).
Advice Sought
20
Honourable Members will be asked to advise:
(a) whether the Registration of Persons (Amendment)
Bill 1979, at Annex C, and the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill 1979, at Annex E, should be introduced into the Legislative Council; and
(b) whether the Registration of Persons (Amendment)
Regulations 1979, at Annex D, should be approved in principle, to be re-submitted to Honourable Members to be made after the bill at Annex C has passed into law.
(The Secretary for Security (Mr L. M. DAVIES), the Director of Immigration (Mr R. G. B. BRIDGE) and Crown Counsel (Mr G. M. WHEATLEY) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).
5th June 1979
(CR 13/1486/76)
CONFIDENTIAL