TNAG-1408-FCO40-1883-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 72

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5. As You have

said, the estimates for the number of applications which will be received for BN(0) passports is pure guesswork. It is also impossible to foretell whether applications will be spread fairly evenly over the 10 year period leading up to 1997 or whether many Hong Kong BDTCs will hold back until nearer the deadline. Annual revenue from passport fees will therefore be very difficult to estimate in advance. Any systems involving the preparation of

estimates and the subsequent accounting for actual administrative costs in order to calculate the 'profits' will inevitably involve additional work and expense both in Hong Kong and the UK, thereby adding to those costs.

6.

If the recipients of these minutes agree, I suggest that you

should arrange a meeting for some time in the week beginning 25 November in order that we can try to reach some agreed line to put to the Treasury.

18 November 1985

Y J Veale (Miss)

Nationality & Treaty Department (CL501 213-5159)

Copies to:

Mr McDougal, MVD Mr Hill, HKD

Miss Kaye, Consular Dept Mr Escritt, Finance Dept Mr Minter, Finance Dept