c) what would be the position if having obtained a BN(0) passport, the
individual wished to revert to holding a BDTC passport.
The answer to the first question is that it is contrary to international
passport convention to issue anyone with more than one current passport save
in circumstances where travel to incompatable countries is involved or where
we are satisfied that much travelled businessmen would be seriously
inconvenienced since their passport often is lodged with foreign embassies for
visa purposes. Increasing the number of passports available to the individual
brings with it increased risk of loss, theft and abuse so undermining
effective immigration control. We are concerned also that British nationals
should not get into trouble at foreign ports: we are aware that many
countries object to possession of more than one document and in one country at
least it is a criminal offence.
These concerns underly our intended policy in the Hong Kong context and the
Hong Kong Government which accepts it indeed judged that third countries'
acceptance of the present BDTC passport issued under the Governors' discretion
as well as the BN (0) passport might be put at risk if we were to do otherwise.
I note your suggestion that holding both passports might give the traveller
confidence in testing the international acceptance of the BN (0) passport.
Putting to one side international passport practice which I have already
explained, however, I think that to allow this would suggest to third
countries that the UK did not itself have confidence in the BN (0) passport and
would therefore cause unnecessary difficulties in ensuring its acceptance. We
are confident that the BN (0) status and the passport which records it will be
recognised by third countries. As indicated in the course of my speech in the
debate already there have been helpful indications supporting this and as soon
as the Order is in place we intend to explain the significance of the passport
around the world.