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Should be possible to limit debate on general issues involved.
?
6.
Reservations of Hong Kong Executive Council described in
paragraphs 11-12 of Memorandum.
Parliamentary debate.
Parliamentary Handling
7.
8.
i)
These might well find echoes in
Aspects of Bill most likely to attract comment in debate are:
Nationality (paragraphs 4, 5 and 12 of Memorandum).
Ministers will need to be ready to explain outline of
nationality provisions, why they are in the Bill and why
they take the form of enabling provisions. FCO and Home
Office Officials are in close contact over the detailed
line to take. Would welcome assistance of Home Office
Ministers when these aspects of Bill are discussed. On
new nationality title (paragraph 5 of Memorandum),
"British national; special status" has now run into
opposition from EXCO. We shall take matters forward as quickly as possible in consultation with the Home
Office, in hope that agreed title can be incorporated in
Bill.
ii)
iii)
Sovereignty (paragraph 11 of Memorandum). Will need to explain why termination of sovereignty is covered in Bill
itself, 12 years in advance of Hong Kong's restoration to
China. Essential to permit ratification. In extreme
case of Chinese non compliance with agreement, this
procedure is just as "reversible" (by subsequent amending
legislation) as a provision for termination by subsequent
Order in Council would be.
Privileges and Immunities. Always sensitive in
Parliamentary terms but only involves 5 individuals in
London for a few days a a year.
As Memorandum states, precedent suggests that all stages should
be taken on the floor of the House.
9.
FCO Ministers involved will be Foreign Secretary, Mr Luce and
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myself.
Backers
10.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.