E.P
IMG/81 382/387/1
From:
DJ McDonough
B2 Division
*
February 1986
1.
Mr Fries
2.
Mr Hudson
cc.
Mr Woodland Mr Emery
Mr Powell, MVD
-
DEBATE ON THE HONG KONG ORDER IN COUNCIL RESPONSE TO A QUESTION
RAISED BY LORD AVEBURY
In the course of the debate in the House of Lords on 20 January, Lord Avebury
suggested that we should introduce a system of multiple entry permits for visitors
from Hong Kong and compared our arrangements with the United States' multiple-entry
visas. Lord Glenarthur undertook to pass these comments on to Mr Waddington.
Relevant extracts from Hansard are attached.
Yet
2. It is not entirely clear precisely what Lord Avebury was suggesting but he may
have been returning to the proposal put to us by the Executive Council last
September that the period of validity of multiple-visit entry certificates for BDTC
passport holders, should be extended to the period of validity of the passports in
which they are placed. We have explained to the Executive Council why we are unable
to meet this request and they have not, themselves, returned to the issue.
3.
The draft reply attached sets out the current arrangements which are, in
themselves, quite generous and explains why we do not consider that we should be
justified in going further. Mr Waddington may wish to write on the lines proposed.
DJ MCDONOUGH