24-10-1990 09:49 HKGO LONDON 071 495 5000
FAX TO: D OF ADM
FROM: C(L) STEPHEN CHAN
REPEATED TO: IC. PS/GH, ICO (Alan
DATE: 23 OCTOBER
BAI
1990
AX RFF: LO: 756
Summ
Pctober minute
( 2
pages)
44 71 495 5033 P.01
fo
856
MrMoteris 26/10
HKD 340/4/24/0
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
NATIONALITY (HK) (SELECTIÚIN CCH 29 OGT: 1990
DESK OFFICER KONSA
ionality INDEX
lection
an (20
"he British Në 1700 was approved by the Fuuse Without a division after la debe for about 50
about
2
LNUT INCE
ook).
Attendance was fairly low. On the Conservative side. were about 25 MPS, including a few die-hard opponents (Norman Tebbit. Nicholas Wints on. Sir John Stokes, Ivor
The Opposition side, there were at one time
ading Alistair Darling (Labour spokesman on Home Affairs). Llyn Golding (Labour Whip), and Robert
icLennan (Liberal Democrat spokesman on Home Affairs).
DURATE
a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
-
The main points raised are summarised below:
Alestir Darling still expressed objection to the scheme in principle but recognised that there wac confidence problem to be solved in Hong Kong. Reassured that all passports granted under the scheme would be honoured by « Labour Government, which would review the operation of the scheme (as the Conservative Government would do so as well).
Criticised the lack of an appeal provision and special favouring of British firms. Made specie. plea for those who would be deprived of a nationality in 1997.
On a positive note. Mr Darling emphasized his belief that those who would qualify under the scheme would not come to Britain and that the scheme was designed to anchor them in Hong Kong. Also suggested that the British Government should do more to build confidence in Hong Kong by encouraging more British investment there.
Norman Tebbit maintained his opposition to the scheme but realised that there was little he could now do to upset it at this stage. Highlighted China's attitude towards the scheme and criticised Government for failing to take this into account.
Robert MacLennan & Ivan Lawrence asked what effect the scheme had so far been able to achieve in Hong Kong; and
Teresa Gorman suggested that the Government should give farm assurances to Hong Kong people that their rights and freedom would be defended by Britain if there was any threat imposed by an alien ́ power (meaning China). Drew analogy between the situation