TNAG-1333-FCO40-1765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-1985 — Page 43

From: THE PRIVATE SECRETARY

Dear Charles,

76

CONFIDENTIAL

Hici]

HONG KONG LEGISLATION

HOME OFFICE

QUEEN ANNE'S GATE

LONDON SWIH 9AT

8 November 1984

P3/MW Luce

Sir ? Cradock Of Wilso

Cefal Adhnces,

94

The Home Secretary has seen the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary's minute of 5 November to the Prime Minister. He has asked me to confirm that he broadly endorses the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary's proposals, and in particular is sure that it would be right for the proposed Bill to contain enabling provisions so that the necessary amendments to the ritish Nationality Act can be made by a subsequent Order in Council. Just because of the importance of the subject he believes that a Bill which contained no provisions about nationality would be strongly criticised on that account. Provisions on the lines described in paragraph 6(b) of the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary's minute will serve to explain to Parliament, and to the people of Hong Kong, the nature of the proposed changes in the law while leaving the detailed amendments to be made by the subsequent Order in Council.

Home Office official S are in touch with FCO officials about the preparation of Instructions to Parliamentary Counsel and see no difficulty about these being delivered to him next week.

I am copying this letter to the Private Secretaries to members of QL and OD (K) and to Richard Hatfield.

am ere,

Nigil

12 1. Home

7. pen

m

Charles Powell,

b. H

Esq.

Sectisfachung

Jam

Локом

C/ NA PANTLING

HKK 040/53

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

13 NOV 1984

WORK OFFICER

IMOTX

PA

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