TNAG-1085-FCO40-1335-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 162

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SECRETARY

Dear

Hier 34011

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51. 1 0 SEP 1981

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PS

PS/LPS PS/Mr. Luce

Sir Edward Youde

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353

QUEEN ANNE'S GATE LONDON SWIH 9AT

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STAY Action Taken

8

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

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Mr. Adaus

SED

September 1981

HKraD

jny coil const Mr. William Jrola/s

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The British Nationality Bill is due to have its Third Reading in the Lords on Tuesday, 20 October, and it will be for the Commons to consider Lords amendments to the Bill shortly thereafter.

There are likely to be a substantial number of amendments to consider, and whilst many of these a technical and consequential, a number are likely to lead to prolonged debate. Even some of the less important amendments could provide opportunities for lengthy speeches on the parts of the Bill to which they relate, and there is no sign that the opposition to the Bill has noticeably abated.

Consideration of Lords amendments must be completed within a reasonable time, and I imagine that you will not wish to allow more than, say, a day for this stage. But if this is to be achieved, I see no alternative to a supplementary allocation of time motion. Such a motion might follow the pattern of the supplementary motion on the Transport Bill moved on 28 July, and provide that discussion on specified amendments should be completed by a stated time. This would ensure that there was adequate time for proper debate of the more important amendments. I think it would be wise, too, as in the Transport Bill motion, to limit the time for debate in subsequent stages. There could well be some exchanges between the Lords and the Commons, and we do not want to risk lengthy sessions in debate on any further Message from the Lords.

Under the terms of the earlier guillotine motion on the Bill agreed on 29 April, any debate on a supplementary motion would be restricted to one hour. I realise the acute pressures on Parliamentary time at this time of year. I have however noted the Opposition's criticism of the arrangements for the supplementary motion on the Transport Bill, and there might perhaps be advantage in having any debate on this motion a few days beforehand:

if, say, the Commons were to consider Lords amendments on Monday, 26 October, then the debate on the motion could perhaps take place on Thursday, 22 October. But this is, of course, a matter for you.

I should be glad of your views as soon as possible.

I am copying this letter to Ian Gilmour and Michael Jopling.

The 2nds are makiving many difficulties for us. Hence the wish of oublanted and duers

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The Rt. Hon. Francis Pym., M.C., MP.

Jarlon Wille

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