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3.
Mr. LAU Wong-fat went on to say the HYK as a consultative body did not work with the NTA alone but regrettably Government department apart from NTA did not recognise the need for consultation with the Kuk.
4.
He was worried that the UK Nationality Law might affect the status of the HK residents and stressed that their interests should not be neglected. He also regarded the recent increase in fees for overseas students in the UK as an act of discrimination agant HK residents.
5.
He concluded his speech by saying that he wished Mr. Clift's visit would mark the beginning of a better understanding between the Kuk and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Kuk would present an aide-memoire through H.E. the Governor to the F.C.0. on the NT issue.
6.
Mr. Clift thanked the Kuk for giving him the opportunity of the visit. He stressed that the Foreign & Commonwealth Office was fully aware of the problems of the NT and the value of the Kuk and recognised the importance of exchanging ideas. He said his visit was an indication of the recognition of the Kuk's status and his primary aim was to learn from the Kuk. He would study the aide-memoire most carefully.
7.
Referring to the Nationality Law, he stated that there was no question of discriminating against the people of HK. The entry of HK people into and out of UK would not be affected by the proposed legislation.
8.
As regards the increase in school fees for overscas students, Mr. Clift explained that the UK Govt. was operating under great economic restraints and the reason for the increase was therefore obvious.
9.
Mr. D. YAP queried if the UK Government was treating HK citizens as second class subjects as indicated by its immigration laws making it easier for foreigners to enter UK than HK citizens and criticised the UK Govt. for its short-sightedness in ignoring the invisible ties and historical relationship between UK and IIK.
10.
Mr. Clift replied that there was no intention to pushing HK into a subsidary status and making HK people second class subjects.
11.
Mr. CHAN Yat-sun said that the gap in respect of the provision of services and facilities was still great betwean NT villages and the built-up areas and the welfare of the NT residents was not properly looked after in the course of development. He further added that the Green Paper on District Administration, while encouraging more active participation by the residents in the provision of social and welfare services, did not promote participation in the field of "political administration". He also presented an aide-memoire on NT development.
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