CONFIDENTIAL
citizenship would be granted to successful applicants only after their naturalisation as BDTCs/BN (0) s. This
slightly broader definition of eligibility would ensure
that any outstanding candidates who have not yet
naturalised would be covered.
(b) I should prefer not to prescribe a 2 to 1 ratio in
favour of the private sector on the face of the Bill,
though this is our objective. It is clear from the discussions our officials have had with the Hong Kong
Government that it is going to be very difficult indeed to accommodate the public sector,
and the disciplined services within
the 50,000 ceiling without changing the ratio.
c) Agreed.
Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)
d) Agreed.
e) Agreed.
f) I agree with your proposed formulation making it clear that the responsibility for drawing up the scheme rests with the Governor initially. I understand that the Hong
Kong Government are content with this. I also agree with
your proposals for flexibility over timing and phasing.
We may come under pressure to specify what proportion of
assurances will be held back; our response will need to
be carefully judged. I agree that there should be some
control over the scope for repeated applications,
although it is likely that the availability of further
opportunities would defuse the pressure for an appeals
process.
CONFIDENTIAL