XN000022-1996-04-24 — Page 77

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Article 4(5) of the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986, as amended by the Hong Kong (British Nationality) (Amendment) Order 1993, allows a successful applicant to apply for a British National (Overseas) passports within 3 months after the date he has obtained a naturalisation/registration certificate.

The number of applications rejected in the past three years and in the first three months of this year is as follows:

Year

1993

1994

1995

No. of applications

147

282

451

348

1996 (Jan - Mar)

In line with the practice in the UK and in accordance with section 44(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981, the reasons for rejection of such applications are not disclosed.

Indebtedness of CSD officers

Following is a question by the Hon Zachary Wong Wai-yin and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

whether the Correctional Services Department management has any knowledge of the amount of debts owed by the staff of the Department in the past three years and the reasons for their staff incurring such debts; and