24-JUN-1993 14:13
B4 IND LIVERPOOL
From: C J Kelly
B4 Division India Buildings GTN 4126-309
24 June 1993
44 051 336 3386
F.01
HKD 340
2 8 JUN 1993
CC
Miss Walker Mr Lockyer
Mr Langdon
Mr Rawsthorne Mr Moorey Miss Collins Mr Hayzelden Mr Whalley Mr Walmsley Miss McCool Mr Thomas Mr Rock
Сори
gove
to NTCD.
176
Mr Barnes
BDTC/BN(0) PASSPORTS
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per po
The Home Secretary announced on 9 June that he had agreed in principle to allow applicants for British National (Overseas) status to retain their British Dependent Territories Citizen passports. The practical arrangements were left to be settled by us in consultation with Hong Kong and we have now agreed with them on the concurrent holding of BN(0) and BDTC passports rather than post-dating of the BN(0) passport. We think that it would be a good idea to announce the arrangements formally to Parliament. Lord Wilson of Tillyhorn, a former Governor of Hong Kong, has made enquiry of the Foreign office about the Government's intentions in this regard and has offered to ask a Parliamentary Question. If Ministers are content to make an announcement by way of
of an arranged Question it seems only courteous to take up Lord Wilson's offer. Given the degree of interest in Hong Kong matters at the moment, however, it also seems desirable to make an identical announcement in the House of Commons.
The Question would need to be tabled in both Houses on Monday 28 June for written answer on Tuesday 29 June. This would allow Hong Kong to make their own announcement on 30 June prior to the arrangement coming into effect on 1 July. They plan to hold a press conference taken by their Director of Immigration. LegCo have already been given a separate briefing on the matter.
I attach draft Question and Answer for consideration. If Ministers agree we shall convey the Question to Lord Wilson and a suitable MP by no later than the morning of Monday 28 June, preferably earlier.
CJ KELLY