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Nationality Act in 1981, they have the status of British Dependent Territories Citizens. They do not have a right of abode in England, but they are British nationals and are entitled to British protection. Whatever happens after 1997 the British Government must retain responsibility for these people. Should they find life in Hong Kong after 1997 intolerable they should be able to leave Hong Kong and settle abroad with assistance from the British Government.
The Legislative Council of Hong Kong is an important forum for public debate and must play a . part in reflecting opinion in Hong Kong, in advance of any proposed agreement being put to the U.K. Parliament. No representative status is claimed for the Council, but the Unofficial Members are drawn from a wide spectrum of local society. Outside the Council they work on over 300 committees and boards in many fields of public service activity, and their business and social contacts touch on all sectors of the community. Moreover, since the talks commenced, they have received individually and through the UMELCO Office many representations on the future.
The Chief Secretary acknowledged the important role of the Legislative Council in reflecting the views of Hong Kong people and could not see any objection to the Council having the opportunity to debate any settlement proposed for Hong Kong's future before any final agrement is reached. It would be inconceivable in his view that Parliament would not wish to know, when the time comes for endorsing the agreement, what views had been expressed in the Legislative Council.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.