CR
Hck D
15/ld Behted isith Rifles N_T_D
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY
Alexander Fleming House, Elephant & Castle, London sz16BY Telephone 01-407 5522
From the Minister of State for Social Security and the Disabled
The Rt Hon Timothy Raison MP
Minister of State
Home Office
50 Queen Anne's Gate
LONDON
SW1H 9AT
ла
M. Mc. Altade
15 Nov 182
ний
Dear Tim
}
+
ло
happy boli Af 201
19/11
Pacific I recently visited Hong Kong to officiate at the 1982 Far East and South Games for the Disabled and to see some of the rehabilitation facilities for disabled people in Hong Kong.
Whilst there I met a number of prominent members of the local community, inside and outside Government. I was struck by the strength of feeling against the recent British Nationality Act, which as you know creates a new category of British Dependent Territories Citizenship for (among others) the people of Hong Kong. Those I spoke to made the point that they accept that they should not have a right of entry for residence in the UK. However they resent as a matter of principle the change in their status and that they are no longer described as British subjects under the protection of the foreign secretary in their passports. Difficulties have already been experienced in Europe with their new passports and this could prejudice their widespread business activities.
I undertook to pass these views on to you and I should be grateful for your comments. I am copying this letter to Lord Belstead.
*
Нур
HUGH ROSSI
!
1