TNAG-0660-FCO40-809-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1977 — Page 16

CONFIDENTIAL

Ar Hawley

LEE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY UNIFORM PASSPORT: DATE OF INTRODUCTIO

IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GROUPS ENTITLED TO HOLD IT

PROBLEM

1. Ministers accepted that it would be administratively sensible for the introduction of the uniform passport in this country to be delayed until after the coming into force of the projected new nationality Act. A decision will be required, pronaty later this year, whether to maintain the reservation on the timin of the introduction of the uniform passport by the United Kingdom bad by the then Prime Minister in the European Council in December 1975. Decisions will also be required eventually on the types of passport to be issued to various groups.

BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT

2. Timing of uniform passport. No appreciable progres: uas been made for some months in achieving agreement in the community on the main features of the design of the uniform passport. It is becoming increasingly unlikely that Member Governmerts will be

le to adhere to the target of 1978 as the year for the intro-

tion of the uniform passport. A possible, but procacy optim- ic, timetable for the introduction of the passport is ar

Lows:-

October 1977

-

Council of Ministers agree or mair features of design following Anglo- German compromise.

February 1978

Council agree on details of desigr. following work at technical level.

January 1979

Introduction by a few Member Governments (possibly the smaller ones).

October 1979

requi

red

Earliest date for introduction by e

United Kingdom after 18 months for production and distribution. of supplies to overseas posts of new pass- port. (Passport Office could not handle introduction of new passport in summer rush.)

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CONFIDENTIAL

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