14
We intend to issue these passports from 1 July 1987. Those who
then hold valid BDTC passports will be able, if they wish to retain them. But from 1 July 1987 Hong Kong BDTCs will have a choice between applying for a BDTC passport with a restricted validity until 30 June 1997 or for a BN(0) passport valid for a full ten years. It will not be possible to carry both a BN (0) and a BDTC passport.
The fee will be set under the Consular Fees Act 1980 and, save
for exchange variations, it will be the same throughout the world. The fee is for the passport just as all of us have to pay for our passports. It is not a fee for citizenship.
Passports issued to BDTCs in Hong Kong are currently issued
by the Governor in the name of Her Majesty. It would be inappropriate for passports issued to BN (0)s which will remain valid beyond 30 June 1997 to be issued by the Governor. BN (0) passports will therefore be issued from the start by "Her Britannic Majesty's Secretary of State" as they are at present in the UK and at consular posts overseas.
/One