TNAG-1387-FCO40-1835-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-citizenship-1986 — Page 229

FCS/85/331

LORD PRIVY SEAL

Hong Kong: Nationality Order in Council

1.

Thank you for your letter of: 5 December. I hope that it will be possible to debate the Hong Kong Nationality Order in Council in the Commons in the first week after the House returns, and shortly thereafter in the Lords.

If we delay too long there is a danger that Hong Kong will feel that Parliament is not sufficiently interested in' its affairs.

2. Tim Renton is leaving on a Far Eastern tour on 17 January from which he will not return until 28 January and I hope therefore that it will be possible to have the Commons debate during the first few days of the new session.

3. In the House of Lords, Janet Young will be available from 14 January onwards.

4. I am copying this minute to the Prime Minister, the Lord President, the Home Secretary and other OD(K) colleagues.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

17 December 1985

(GEOFFREY HOWE)