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clear that we
nationality. Nothing less would be acceptable in Hong Kong. On the other hand it is essential that this title
are dealing with a form of British
can be used after 1997 and therefore that it carries no
implication of a continuing constitutional relationship
between Britain and Hong Kong after 1997. The title
"British National (Overseas)" meets both these criteria.
As I said in our debate on the Second Reading of the Bill
it is the Government's intention that all the necessary
amendments to the nationality legislation should be made if
possible in one Order in Council. We intend that this
Order should be made at an early date and at the latest
within one year of the passage of this Bill.
It is also our intention in response to views expressed by
your Lordships in the debate on the Second Reading to give
the House an opportunity if it wishes, to debate the draft
order on nationality in a preliminary way before the House is asked to give its final approval. If necessary, the
Government would then withdraw the Order and revise it to
take account of views expressed by your lordships before
resubmitting it to be dealt with in the normal way under
affirmative resolution procedures. I believe that this
procedure will meet the concerns expressed in our previous
debate.
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