WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR PARTICULAR GROUPS OF PEOPLE?
-
As I have indicated, we are looking urgently and
sympathetically at scope for flexibility within existing rules. Would be wrong to preempt outcome of that discussion.
[If pressed :]
(a) Crown Servants?
HMG well aware of crucial role of Crown servants in maintaining
efficient administration and smooth transfer.
Under Section 4(5) of British Nationality Act, Crown servants
may apply for British citizenship without residing in the UK.
I recognise that this is for from
Satisfactory as an assorame
L
So far 9 applicants out of some 500 have been successful. Clearly scope for more generous application of the rules. As Mr
Renton told Committee, feel sure ratio of successful applications
will rise.
Undertakings (If raised)
In certain limited cases, certain rights of admission for Crown
servants exist at discretion of Home Secretary. For reasons
Committee will appreciate, would not be appropriate to disclose the categories and numbers of people involved or the special considerations or factors concerned.
Am aware that reservations have been expressed about nature and
scope of the assurances. This is a sensitive issue on which it
would not be appropriate for me to make any further public comments.
(b)
Young professionals/entrepreneurs
Clearly a particularly important group. Vital to Hong Kong's continuing success. At same time these are the people whose
talents are most in demand elsewhere and who are emigrating.