XN000022-1996-12-04 — Page 18

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BN(O) holders enjoy visa-free access to 80 countries

Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Elizabeth Wong and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council whether it is aware of the measures taken by the British Government to publicise the British National Overseas (BNO) passport and to persuade the Governments of other countries to accept the BNO passport as a legitimate travel document having the same status as other travel documents issued by the British Government?

Reply:

Mr President,

The British Government have widely publicised the BN(O) passport amongst foreign governments since its introduction in 1987. As a result, the BN(O) passport is now recognised by all countries and territories to be a valid travel document, and enjoys visa-free access to 80 countries and territories.

End

Investments of the Exchange Fund

Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau Wai-hing and a reply by the Secretary for Financial Services, Mr Rafael Hui, in the Legislative Council this afternoon (Wednesday):

Question:

In his speech delivered at a seminar organised by the Bank of England and held in London on September 10, this year, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) stated that the Exchange Fund does not currently hold assets in currencies which are not convertible and not traded in major foreign exchange markets. He also allayed fears that China would exert influence on the HKMA to use the Exchange Fund to buy Chinese Government or Renminbi debt in As some of the Chinese bonds are order to finance China's budget deficit.

denominated in currencies of the G-7 countries, will the Government inform this Council if it has any information regarding the following: