CONFIDENTIAL
December the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary explained that Parliament would expect to see provisions on nationality included in
the Bill: their omission could cast doubt on HMG's commitment to
implement the UK Memorandum associated with the Joint Declaration.
The Executive Council will be informed on 3 January that for these
reasons the nationality provisions will be retained in the Bill.
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
12. It will be for the Business Managers to decide on the handling
of the Bill. But precedents such as The Canada Act 1982 and The
European Assembly Elections Act 1978 suggest that since the Bill
deals with constitutional matters it will need to be taken at all
stages including the Committee stage on the floor of the House.
THE ROYAL PREROGAT I VE
12. The Bill affects the Royal Prerogative, and Royal Consent has
been granted.
RECOMMENDATION
14. The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary recommends that the Bill should be approved for immediate introduction to the House of Commons subject to any minor or drafting amendments.
CONFIDENTIAL