TNAG-1381-FCO40-1829-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-citizenship-1985 — Page 22

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6 FEB 1985

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

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1 February 1985

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Dear Marde,

Hong Kong Bill:

Government Amendment

Sir Geoffrey Howe has decided to put down a Government amendment to the Hong Kong Bill prior to the Committee Stage in the House of Commons. It will be to leave out "such new form of British nationality as is specified in the Order" in paragraph 2(1)(b) of the Schedule and insert "a new form of British nationality the holders of which shall be known as British Nationals (Overseas)". The effect of the amendment will be to incorporate the title of the new form of nationality in the Bill. This was a step which a number of Members favoured during the debate on the Second Reading.

It is conceivable, although unlikely, that this amendment may lead to pressure to separate the Committee Stage from the Report Stage and Third Reading on the grounds that more time is needed to consider the Government amendment. Sir Geoffrey hopes that this can be resisted on the grounds that the new title was first aired in his opening speech at the Second Reading debate on 21 January. A number of Members expressed their views on the new title in that debate, and the House will have had over two weeks to consider it further by the time of the Committee Stage. The reaction in Hong Kong to the new title has been one of acceptance and the Executive Council and the Governor have agreed to the wording of the amendment and have recommended that it be introduced in the House of Commons at the Committee Stage.

I am copying this letter to the Private Secretaries to the Lord President, the Lord Privy Seal and the Home Secretary.

Murdo Maclean Esq PS/Chief Whip

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(P F Ricketts) Private Secretary

Peter Dichett

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