TNAG-1850-FCO40-2625-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 20

WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR PARTICULAR GROUPS OF PEOPLE?

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As I have indicated, we are looking urgently and

sympathetically at scope for flexibility within existing rules. Would be wrong to preempt outcome of that discussion.

[If pressed :]

(a) Crown Servants?

HMG well aware of crucial role of Crown servants in maintaining

efficient administration and smooth transfer.

Under Section 4(5) of British Nationality Act, Crown servants

may apply for British citizenship without residing in the UK.

I recognise that this is for from

Satisfactory as an assorame

L

So far 9 applicants out of some 500 have been successful. Clearly scope for more generous application of the rules. As Mr

Renton told Committee, feel sure ratio of successful applications

will rise.

Undertakings (If raised)

In certain limited cases, certain rights of admission for Crown

servants exist at discretion of Home Secretary. For reasons

Committee will appreciate, would not be appropriate to disclose the categories and numbers of people involved or the special considerations or factors concerned.

Am aware that reservations have been expressed about nature and

scope of the assurances. This is a sensitive issue on which it

would not be appropriate for me to make any further public comments.

(b)

Young professionals/entrepreneurs

Clearly a particularly important group. Vital to Hong Kong's continuing success. At same time these are the people whose

talents are most in demand elsewhere and who are emigrating.