18-AUG-1993 09:54
B4 IND LIVERPOOL
LORD WILSON OF TILLYORN GCMG
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19 July 1993
u Mr Tou
Mor Griffitt
cawsthame
Mr
M. Walmsle
My Camera
Mr Kelly
for advice and draft reply pls
Neil Rosents 20.7.93
I am afraid you were bombarded with a whole series of arguments from the "Hong Kong mafia" in the debate on the British Nationality Order on Thursday. I thought you made a splendid effort in trying to deal with a whole series of individual points.
For the record, perhaps I could make clear what I was trying to say about not distorting the arrangements made for the British nationality package. In making that point, I was referring to the amendment put forward by Lord McIntosh of Haringey. As I see it, by emphasising the Hong Kong disciplined services, that amendment amounted to a wish to distort the detailed arrangements in favour of that particular group. Given the almost excessively careful mathematical calculations that went into the points system for different categories that would, I believe, be wrong.
I was not, however, trying to argue that the overall figure of 50,000 should be sacrosanct. Indeed, in arguing that the non-Chinese ethnic minorities are a special group, requiring special consideration, I was trying to make the point that they needed to be dealt with in addition to the 50,000.
Rather than seek to interrupt your winding up speech I thought I would put these points in a letter. I do believe that this small group has a strong case for special treatment and I very much hope that, when the arguments put forward in the debate have been reflected on, the Home Office will be able to come up with a solution which allays their fears.
It/