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Our reference: NTY/79 1036/0/18 Your reference:
C J Howells Esq
HOME OFFICE
Apollo House, Wellesley Road, CROYDON, CR0 9YA Telephone: 01-686 2575, ext.
Nationality and Treaty Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Dear Christopher,
17 August 1982
GNN340|1|13) FI
FALKLAND ISLANDS (BRITISH CITIZENSHIP) BILL [H.L.]
I enclose a draft Second Reading'speech. I have drafted this on the assumption that Ministers will agree that the Government spokesman (presumably Lord Elton, although Lord Belstead may be a candidate on the precedent set during the passage of the 1981 Act) should set out the objections to the Bill even though there is a risk of it's being passed anyway (though the chances of its becoming law this Session must be very remote). The reason for setting out the objections even in the face of defeat is to be able to show the other dependent territories that any adverse result is due to Parliament not the Government.
I would welcome suggestions for improving the draft, particularly where it refers to the reaction or likely reactions of the dependent territories. If these passages can be strengthened, there would be more chance of persuading their Lordships to think hard before agreeing to the Bill.
The date for Second Reading is apparently not yet fixed but could be any day after the Lords return on 12 October.
I would therefore be grateful to have any comments by close of play on 17 September. I am sending a copy of this letter and enclosures to Chris Scoble here, since his Division is responsible for the immigration position of the Falkland Islanders.
ENC
Youn,
James
M J ADDISON