TNAG-1755-FCO40-2475-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 161

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3.

UK-HONG KONG RELATIONS

Although c stitution. 1ly a British dependent territory, in practice Hong Kong enjoys a considerable degree of autonomy in the management of its own affairs, particularly in the commercial, financial and economic sectors. There is a continuing dialogue, which has increased since the signing of the Joint Declaration, between HMG and the Hong Kong Government about how the two governments should best discharge. their responsibilities for the welfare of the population of Hong Kong.

None of the many far-reaching changes that have been made in

all have Hong Kong in recent years has been imposed from London: been made with the agreement, and usually on the initiative, of the Hong Kong Government. It is generally accepted in Hong Kong that British administration has provided the territory with fair and efficient government.

a) Defence

Until 1980, the overall size of the garrison in Hong Kong was 4 infantry battalions (3 Gurkha and 1 British), Gurkha support units, 5 naval patrol craft and 2 squadrons of helicopters (1 RAF and 1 Army). In 1980 it was decided to increase the size of the garrison by 1 battalion against the background of a growing illegal immigration threat. 2/7 Gurkha Rifles were therefore raised specifically at that time as an addition to the garrison in order to perform a security role in the Territory until 1987.

In recent years however the surge in illegal immigration has declined and growing confidence in Hong Kong, following the signing of the Joint Declaration, enabled the Ministry of Defence to announce, in September 1985, that a reversion to pre-1980 force levels would take place in 1987, and that 2/7 Gurkha Rifles would be disbanded in January 1987. The UK continues to be responsible for the security of Hong Kong up to 1997 and the decision to disband 2/7 Gurkha Rifles has no implications for the long term future of the garrison up to 1997. Ministers have made it clear that there will be a continuing role for the Gurkhas within the British Army after 1997.

A new Defence Costs Agerement between the Hong Kong Government and HMG, is under negotiation. Under the previous Agreement 75% of the costs of the garrison are paid for by the Hong Kong Government.

b)

Nationality Act

The 1981 British Nationality Act, which came into effect on 1 January 1983, provided for a separate category of "British Dependent Territories' Citizenship" (BDTC). Hong Kong, which was unhappy about the abandonment of the unitary Citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies, would have preferred a title which reflected more strongly the Territory's links with the UK. Amendments were, however, introduced in order to allay some of Hong Kong's fears over the Act, by permitting registration for BDTCS after five years' residence in the UK, and allowing discretionary registration by the Home Secretary of Dependent Territories' Crown Servants and some others as British Citizens. was also agreed by HMG that BDTCs from all Dependent Territories should be described as "British Nationals" in their passports, although this does not reflect any change in their immigration status into the UK.

It