TNAG-1189-FCO40-1491-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 139

CONFIDENTIAL

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'Even if Bruce's Bill gets through the Lords in the 'spillover' it would not seem to have much chance of also passing the Commons in the limited time available, it would, I am sure you will also feel, put the Govern- ment presentationally in a somewhat embarrassing position to appear to be denying rights to people who attract at present very widespread sympathy and concern'.

The purpose of this letter as I hope I have above indicated is to seek to avoid a tiresome and embarrass- ing issue arising in October'

Letter of 2 August from Pownall to Hayhoe giving Lord Privy Seal's views

'Bearing in mind the tied vote during the Report Stage of the British Nationality Bill last October, and the strength of feeling which so clearly exists, it is clear that, no matter how carefully the Second Reading of the Bill is handled, the Government are likely to suffer embarrassment or, if put to a vote, defeat'.

'If the matter is pressed to a division, Lord Bruce will win regardless of whether Ministers abstain or vote against the Bill. The Lord Privy Seal suggests that if Lord Bruce does not withdraw, steps should be taken to ensure that there is no division and that the Bill receives a Second Reading on question (ie without a division but without unanimous assent). Lord Bruce may well pursue his Bill next session and seek to take it through all its stages in the Lords. If he did this at a relatively early stage in the new session, the Bill would arrive in the Commons well before the last Private Member's Bill days in that House. The Lord Privy Seal recognises that this could cause very considerable hand- ling difficulties in the House of Commons'.

Nationality and Treaty Department

5 August 1982

CONFIDENTIAL