than others within the same group.
Although this is a scheme for Hong Kong, we have also been
concerned to help British companies operating there. My rt hon
Friend's statement on 20 December included the proposal of a
special secondment scheme within the total, whereby selected
personnel of companies and institutions in Hong Kong would be
able to obtain British citizenship after five years, but on the
strength of a period of residence in the United Kingdom less than
the normal requirement.
However, the main selection scheme as now developed provides for
additional points to be awarded for British links and this will
include service with a British firm. Moreover, those selected
under the main scheme will secure passports more quickly than
under a secondment scheme, and without having to leave Hong Kong.
The Bill therefore does not contain any
secondment scheme but we are
continuing
provision for a
to examine the
possibilities.
Hong
The second section of the scheme is for key entrepreneurs.
Kong has a number of well-known and respected entrepreneurs who
have extensive investments there and employ substantial number
of people. Their departure would do much to undermine
confidence. We therefore envisage that the scheme would reserve
a small number of places, not more than 1% of the total, for
people in this category.
A third section would provide places for Hong Kong's disciplined