MEETING WITH MR FREDERICK FUNG, 18 MAY
TALKS WITH CHINA ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS
The ADPL's main concern here is transparency; that Hong Kong
people should be fully informed of any agreement reached and
their views taken into account before a final decision is
made.
Suggestions of a joint consultation process (China and Britain together); discussions in District Boards; a
'scientific survey' of Hong Kong opinion.
Response
-
The Governor has made it clear from the beginning the
importance he attaches to public opinion. We have said that
an essential point for us is that any agreement reached with China must be acceptable to Hong Kong people. We have also emphasised the need to allow LegCo plenty of time to debate
the legislation before it is passed.
REGISTERING AS BRITISH NATIONALS (OVERSEAS) {BNOS)
- Main thrust of the ADPL's argument is that if Hong Kong
people are entitled to register as BN (0)s up to 30 June 1997 why impose earlier, legally enforceable cut-off dates (thus denying existing rights)?
Response
This is a practical problem.
The powers to grant British National Overseas status lapse at midnight on 30 June 1997, so
in practice applications must have been processed before then. (A "right" in principle is not much use in practice if the Hong Kong authorities are not given enough time to issue the passport). Our responsibility must be to ensure that all
those entitled to a BNO passport can receive one in time. Without a programme of legally enforceable cut-off dates we could not guarantee that. But there will be discretionary powers to consider applications received after the cut-off dates. How this will work in practice is still being
discussed in Hong Kong.