Kong.
5
There is already provision under the British
Nationality Act for those in Crown Service to be
registered as British Citizens. But new powers will
need to be sought in order to grant British Citizenship
to people in the private sector. Our intention is to
introduce the necessary legislation in this session of
Parliament. Proposals will be put forward as soon as
possible.
I emphasise two points.
First, these proposals will be
restricted to Hong Kong and the unique problem which we
face there. They will have no relevance to other
people elsewhere, and the principles of the 1981
British Nationality Act will remain intact. Second,
they are designed not to encourage immigration into
this country but to anchor in Hong Kong those whom we
need to retain there if our last substantial colony is
to pass successfully through the final eight years of
British rule.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.