CONFIDENTIAL
8
The Government recognised that the House would wish to
know the main parameters of the proposed legislation. For
this reason the framework for the subordinate legislation
is clearly stated in the Schedule to the Bill. The Order
will make provisions for the removal of Hong Kong with
effect from 1 July 1997 from the list of dependent
territories in Schedule 6 to the British Nationality Act
It mes abro provida. 198,and for the acquisition of a new status to be known as British National (Overseas) by persons who are on 30 June 1997, British Dependent Territories citizens by virtue
of a connection with Hong Kong. The Order will define clearly to whom these provisions will apply.
The new title was announced by my rt hon and learned
Friend, the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary in the
debate on the Second Reading of the Bill in another place.
I am glad to be able to report that reactions in Hong Kong
to the new title were generally favourable. As a result
of this an amendment was introduced into the Bill at the
committee stage in another place to incorporate the title
of the new form of nationality into the Bill.
It was not easy to devise a title which meets all the
necessary requirements. On the one hand, it needs to make
clear that we are dealing with a form of British nationality. Nothing less would be acceptable in Hong
Kong.
On the other hand, it is essential that the title
can be used after 1997 and therefore that it carries no
implication of a continuing constitutional relationship
CONFIDENTIAL