10. IS HMG PREPARED TO RECONSIDER THIS
REQUEST?
We have already given long and careful
consideration to this request. My hon and
learned Friend the Minister of State has met
representatives of the Council and we have all
listened carefully to all the arguments. We
are fully satisfied that the arrangements we
are making are right in the present circumstances
and that is why we will be commending them to
your Lordships.
11.
12.
WHEN WILL THE ORDER BE DEBATED?
WHY IS THE ORDER UNCHANGED FROM
LAST OCTOBER?
The Order was laid on 28 April. The timing
of the debate is not for me to say, but we hope
to arrange it within the next few weeks.
The action taken by the Government in response
to the Legislative Council's requests for a
passport endorsement and for special arrangements
for ex-servicemen in Hong Kong did not require
any amendment to the Order. But the Parliamentar
debates and the Legislative Council's requests
have helped to clarify the provisions of the
Order and improve the arrangements, particularly for the British National (Overseas) passport,
which will follow on from the Order.
4