TNAG-1387-FCO40-1835-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-citizenship-1986 — Page 105

Sir,

UMELCO

DRAFT SPEECH BY DR HON HO KAM FAI, OBE, JP

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 4.12.85

The White Paper on the Draft Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986

This is the second occasion in a week at which I speak on this White Paper on the Draft Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order. In fact, if my memory does not fail me, to-day's Adjournment Debate is the third within a relatively short time span of 18 months that this Council discuss at length ways to facilitate the travel of Hong Kong people between now and 1st

This of course July 1997 and more importantly thereafter. reflects a lot on the importance which not only Members of this Council but also the public attach to this subject of a very practical nature : a subject which is indeed very close to the hearts of the people of Hong Kong.

A number of events have taken place since the conclusion of the Sino-British negotiations on our future and this included the enactment of the enabling legislation giving rise to the Order-in-Council before us this afternoon in April

this year.

Many of the arguments which will be brought up by Members this afternoon might have been well rehearsed before you, Sir, or in another place; yet most of them are worth repeating and should in fact be repeated loud and clear so that the wishes of the people of Hong Kong would stand no chance of being overlooked. Whereas my colleagues may wish to deal with other aspects of the subject, I would rather confine myself to the a travel document for practical use of the BN(0) passport as eligible Hong Kong residents in the 10 years leading up to 1997 and the 50 years that follow.

I recall during the debate of the Hong Kong Bill in the House of Commons in early February this year, the then Minister of State, Mr Richard Luce, reaffirmed that :

UMELCO

Page 105Page 106