FR.
From:
CR Miller
B2 Division
760 2507
July 11 1990
Ms Snow
34
нко 34018
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
19 JUL 1990
DESK OFFICER INDEX
PA
ACI
CC
Ms Dent Ms Spencer Mr Morris Miss Dews Mrs Grimsey Mr Harrington Miss R Davies Mr JB Taylor Mr J Morris
(HKD)
pa.
J12/7
سات
-46
SPOUSES OF BRITISH CITIZENS IN HONG KONG
You asked for advice on the attached letters from Lord Colnbrook
and Lord Tanlaw about the immigration and nationality position of the spouses of British citizens resident in Hong Kong. Both letters argue for amendments to the British Nationality (Hong
Kong) Bill, which reaches Committee Stage in the Lords next
Monday (16 July), to allow the spouses of expatriate British citizens to obtain British citizenship without having to meet the three year United Kingdom residence requirement prescribed by the British Nationality Act 1981.
I attach draft letters which set out in detail the assurances the
Home Secretary has already given in respect of British citizens'
spouses, both at Second Reading in the Commons and more recently
in correspondence with the Rt Hon Paul Channon MP.
Although expatriates would clearly prefer their spouses to have
full British
British passports, in line with the spouses of those registered under the Hong Kong Bill, we would argue that the
assurances the Government has given should remove any fears they may have had about whether their spouses will be able to settle in the United Kingdom should they wish to do so.
It would be helpful if Lord Ferrers was able to write to Lords Colnbrook and Tanlaw as soon as possible, so that they receive