Dependent Territories citizens if they so wished. Of course we cannot say how
many might be in a position by 1997 to claim British citizenship, but the future
commitment is at least uncertain and possibly substantial. We cannot responsibly
enter into a commitment unless it is on the understanding that it may one day
have to be met.
16.
There are those who argue that given the circumstances of Hong Kong it would
nevertheless be prudent to grant these people British citizenship in case
circumstances there were to change and they had to leave. Of course if this
were to be the case, there would no doubt need to be a good deal of reconsideration
and readjustment. But it is not sensible to go into the next 11 years planning
for the worst, and we have no reason at all to do so. But I understand the concern
of this community and that is why I have already made clear that if any British
National were at any time to come under pressure to leave Hong Kong, we would
expect the Government of the day to consider sympathetically their admission
to the United Kingdom on a case by case basis. Mr John Swaine, the Convenor of
the Legislative Council's Ad Hoc Group on the Order, has been quoted as
welcoming this as a strong moral commitment to this community. I am sure he was
right to do so. Taken together with our other measures it provides the best
assurance for a secure and confident future for the people of Hong Kong.
17.
There are already signs of continuing encouragement about Hong Kong's future.
The Joint Liaison Group continues to work well. It has recently made arrangements
to ensure that after 1997 Hong Kong keeps its place in the world trading community,
and it has also formally agreed the terms of the right of abode endorsement in
the BN (0) passport.
18.
Confidence in Hong Kong is therefore high. This Government has I believe
made a significant contribution to establishing and building that confidence
by carefully measured steps, many of which have been considered and approved
by this House. The Nationality Order represents another important step along
the way.
The arrangements we have made for the ethnic minorities, as for all
other British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong, fully honour our
commitments to them. They offer a sound and responsible basis for continued
confidence and security in the future. The Nationality Order will, I believe,
serve the people of Hong Kong well. I commend it to the House.
- 4.