267'
British Nationality
113 OCTOBER 1981]
King
but the very close relationship that exists between Hong Kong and this country is good for the United Kingdom and it is also good for the free world. The improving relations with China that are now developing, also the rift between China and the Soviet Union, have made Hong Hong a vital and important part of the free world.
It is clear that the Peking Government would not welcome an independent Hong Kong. There would be a third Chinese Government in the Far East besides. the Government in Taiwan. As a result, colonial status (although anomalous given that Hong Kong could very well run its own affairs) and being part of the British family of territories is appropriate and meets the wishes of all concerned. People of British stock and people of Chinese stock in Hong Kong are working closely together, and efficiently and successfully have produced a highly industrial state which is a most successful international trading entity. This entity promotes British interests and plays an important role for the benefit of the free world.
This new clause may not be the way to solve the problem. I am not sure that I can support it. No doubt my noble friend on the Front Bench may see difficulties in it. I myself certainly see some. But what it does--I think my noble friend Lord Geddes has done a useful service to the House-is to bring out the need to keep the dependent territories as near relatives of the United Kingdom without apparent discrimination.
Lord Tanlaw: My Lords, I hope that the Government will support the amendment moved by the noble Lord, Lord Geddes, and insert this new clause. As other speakers have said, I feel that it will maintain the vital link of nationality between Britain and the British dependent territories. Above all, however this is where it affects my own amendment which is the last one on the Marshalled List--as the noble and learned Lord has said, the Title of the Bill states that this is an Act to make fresh provision about citizenship and nationality. First, the inclusion of this new clause would make my amendment superfluous because there is no other reference in the Bill to nationality. I trust the noble and learned Lord will look very carefully at the reasons why the noble Lord, Lord Geddes, is asking that this new clause should be inserted. Secondly, it makes the Bill much more honest, certainly in its title and in its interpretation by those who live in the British dependent territories.
Lord Hunt: My Lords, having listened to the speech of the noble Lord, Lord Geddes, in moving his amendment and to the speeches of those who spoke in support of it, it only remains for me to say from this Bench-though it would be with more confidence if more of us were here-that we strongly support this amendment. It seems to me that this amendment goes a long way towards removing the anxiety felt by myself and by others, quite apart from those who are more directly concerned in the East Asian commu- nity who under the present terms of the Bill will not achieve British citizenship. It would go a long way towards removing those anxieties and that resentment which undoubtedly they feel. It certainly goes a long way towards alleviating my own concern, expressed
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the last time we were in the Report stage, with regard to the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands.
As I listened to the noble Lord, Lord Trefgarne, during that debate, which we divided equally on, as regards the Falkland Islanders it seemed to me that he was making the point by inference that the only matter dividing the three categories of citizenship proposed in this Bill is the practical one of the right of abode. If that really is the case--and I do hope it really is the case--it seems to me that there is no more appropriate way of giving expression to it than by creating this status and title of British nationality. I should like strongly to support this proposal.
Lord Somers: While I wholeheartedly agree with the spirit behind this amendment I can see certain diffi- culties. I am thinking, for instance, of the larger dominions which have had their own Governments for many years now, such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In those countries there are many who have the most loyal feelings towards our country but there are considerable numbers-and I am thinking particularly of Australia-who are rather opposed to the ties with Britain and I think would be quite glad to see the last of them. I wonder whether it is right to impose upon these people the status of British national when quite frankly they do not want it. Would it not perhaps be wiser to make it available to any who want it, without question, and not to make it compulsory?
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, those of us who sailed into Hong Kong harbour in August 1945 with the armed forces will remember the tremendous warmth of welcome that we received at the time of the surrender of the Japanese forces to the British forces and the tremendous sense of gratitude felt by not only those of British stock who were released but the wide number of Chinese who welcomed us so warmly, and anything which can be done to maintain that warmth of relationship between Britain and Hong Kong is well worth maintaining. As I see it, this amendment tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Geddes, makes no attempt to overthrow the three major categories in the Bill and therefore seems not to disturb the main thrust, but it does take particular opportunity to maintain the British national identity for those who feel it very strongly. Having heard from the unofficial senior member how strongly they feel about this in Hong Kong, I think it would be a tremendous thing if your Lordships' House supported this amendment.
Lord Milverton: My Lords, I should like the Govern- ment to give this some consideration and to accept the amendment moved by my noble friend Lord Geddes, and after having heard the noble and learned Lord, Lord Elwyn-Jones, and others I find myself supporting the amendment, which seems sound and appropriate.
Lord Carver: My Lords, as one who supported and spoke in favour of the amendment, which was passed by your Lordships' House, granting the status. of British citizen to the citizens of Gibraltar, I should like to make quite clear my support for this amendment.