TNAG-1191-FCO40-1493-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 139

from Hong Kong and other dependent territories with the task force. Such gestures of support for the Islanders and the United Kingdom during the recent conflict fully demonstrate the awareness of the other dependent territories of the seriousness of the unique problems of the Islands. I cannot believe, my Lords, that the other dependent territories will quarre with the proposal that the Falkland Islands. should have exceptional treatment. There may of course be resentment that they too are not included in such treatment. There may well even be demands for

compensating concessions, not going perhaps as far as British citizenship. I must make it quite clear, however, that the Government cannot agree to such demands. If any exception is to be made, it must be confined to the Falkland Islands alone, in recognition of the absolutely unique circumstances there. Extension of British citizenship to other dependent territories is not a feasible proposition, nor can the Government agree to other concessions to those territories which might misleadingly obscure in their cases the distinction between British citizenship and British Dependent Territories citizenship.

the

22. My Lords, I have addressed most of my remarks to the principle of Bill, as is appropriate for a debate on Second Reading. I have, however, mentioned that the Bill has some drafting defects which make it undesirable in any case that it reach the statute book in its present form. These could no doubt be corrected if the principle were accepted and Parliamentar time were made available. I cannot however give any commitment over the Government providing either time or drafting assistance. What I can say is that we shall listen with great care to the views expressed in this debate and we shall then consider the position in the light of them. Clearly ther can be no prospect of the noble Lord's Bill becoming law this session. Next session, however, there might be more time in another place to enable these matters to be properly debated there. Meanwhile I once again congratulate the noble Lord on giving your Lordships this very valuable opportunity of debating the matter in depth.

7-