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The Hong Kong Government fully supports visa-free access to the United Kingdom, and indeed to any country or territory, for HKSAR passport holders. We have endeavoured to explain to third countries the arrangements involved in the issuing of the new HKSAR passport, to convince them of mutual benefits that a greater degree of travel convenience for Hong Kong people will bring, and to give reassurances about returnability to Hong Kong where necessary.

Honourable Members also referred to the question of BN(O) passport holders continuing to enjoy visa-free access to the United Kingdom. Such an arrangement has been in place since the introduction of the BN(O) passport in 1987. The BN(0) passport contains a statement: "In accordance with UK Immigration Rules, the holder of this passport does not require an entry certificate or visa to visit the United Kingdom." The British Government have no plans to change this arrangement.

It is no doubt in Hong Kong's interest that both the HKSAR passport and the BN(O) passport have good, world-wide reception. To achieve this requires not only the efforts of the Governments involved, but also a continuation of the good track record that Hong Kong travellers have demonstrated so far when they are overseas. I am optimistic that, with both the Governments and the people giving their efforts and playing their part, this should be an achievable objective.

Thank you Mr President.

End

Criminal Appeal (Amendment) Rules

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary, the Hon Anson Chan, in moving the resolution on the Criminal Appeal (Amendment) Rules 1995 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I move the first motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.

On 5 July 1995, the Official Languages (Amendment) Ordinance 1995 was passed by this Council. The Amendment Ordinance provides for the removal of the restriction on the use of Chinese in the higher Courts and certain tribunals. It enables a judge or judicial officer presiding over a court hearing, as well as lawyers representing the parties, to use either or both of the official languages.

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