TNAG-1191-FCO40-1493-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 138

18. Section 5 therefore provides little procedent for specifically mentioning one dependent territory and singling out its inhabitants for

exceptional treatment. My point is illustrated by the fact that the Bill which your Lordships are debating today is not based in any way on section 5.

19. My Lords, I turn now to the basic point, which seems to me to be this. In October last year, your lordships voted, by the narrowest possible majority, it is true, to reject an amendment which would have had precisely the same effect as the noble Lord's Bill. Indeed, the noble Lord's Bill is very closely based on that amendment. The question is, has anything happened since then which has lessened the force of the reasons which the Government then advanced against the amendment? This needs to be considered with great care because there are implications which go wider than the Falkland Islands themselves although, obviously, the entirely exceptional circumstances of the Falkland Islanders are a much more important fact today than they were when your Lordships last debated the matter. Indeed, the circumstances of the Falkland Islands have changed

dramatically since our debates last year.

20. My Lords, obviously we have had the occupation of the Falkland Islands by Argentina and our subsequent repossession. It has become apparent that the circumstances of the Falkland Islands are quite unlike those of any other dependent territory. Their exposed and isolated position, and their small population, make it important that we should give them all the help and encouragement we can. This is why, as I have already indicated, the Government have responded generously to the risk of any possible immigration problems for Islanders who may not have the right of abode here. There are consequently no such problems. But your Lordships may consider that we should do still more. The noble Lord, Lord Bruce of Donington's Bill gives us a welcome opportunity of debating the matter.

Of

21. But even in today's radically altered situation,

it seems

right, my Lords, that in considering this question we should take account of the views of the other dependent territories. course the inhabitants of the other dependencies sympathise with the Islanders over recent events and admire their fortitude under very adverse circumstances. And they have played their part in the recent conflict. Hong Kong's generous contribution to the South Atlantic fund will I am sure long be remembered with great gratitude, along with the service of people

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