XN000022-1995-10-25 — Page 16

- 6 -

Reply:

(b) if so, of the estimated number of additional staff required to ensure that applicants can be issued with SAR passports within a reasonable period of time; and

(c) whether the Government will seek appropriations for this purpose?

Mr President, the reply to the Hon. Member's question, in the order they are raised, is as follows:

(a) The Immigration Department is now drawing up a plan for the issue of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports (and other HKSAR travel documents) from 1 July 1997.

(b) Details of the plan, including the number of staff required, are still being

worked out.

(c) Should there be a need for additional resources which cannot be met from re-deployment within the Immigration Department, we will consider seeking additional resources.

End/Wednesday, October 25, 1995