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Mr.
Mr. Laird
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Wiljna
You told me yesterday that Mr. Wilford wished to send an early reply to the attached letter from Mr. Roberts, Attorney General, Hong Kong.
2. So far as the U.K. proposals are concerned, Migration and Visa Department tell me that no Bill has yet been prepared; that Ministers are still considering the proposals and that the legislation will not be ready in time for the presentation to Parliament before the Christmas recess. Ministers have not in fact yet decided on the final form of the legislation. In any event, I should think it highly unlikely that the Home Office would agree to our sending an advance copy of the draft to Hong Kong, even if this were done in confidence.
3.
As regards Hong Kong's own Immigration and Deportation Bill, the matter is dealt with on this file.
The Bill is behind (2) and it has just returned to me after going the rounds of interested Departments. I have not yet studied the minuting on the subject in detail but it looks as though certain aspects of the Bill are likely to present problems. I certainly do not think that we are in any position to give Mr. Roberts an assurance that we will be able to let him have our considered views on the Bill before the end of the year.
4.
I attach the draft of a letter for Mr. Wilford to send to Mr. Roberts.
I have
Milano.
2.
MG.
(A. W. Gaminara) 2 December, 1970
amented
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uright?
The Bill has been to NATD. but they
not commented.
have
According to Mr Clifton's minicle of 11 Nov.,
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.