CONFIDENTIAL
Background
1.
The Nationality Act provides for the establishment of an
Advisory Committee (the Steering Group) to advise the
Governor on who should acquire citizenship under the Act. It will consist of ten people in all, including the Chief
Secretary, the Director of Administration, and the Head of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The issue is whether the Senior British Trade Commissioner,
Mr Peter Heap should be a member.
2.
The Governor's initial view was that Mr Heap should not
sit on the Committee. He would prefer to appoint a
prominent businessman. But he indicated that he would acquiesce if Ministers wanted the inclusion of Mr Heap.
3. The Home Office would also prefer not to have Mr Heap on the Committee. They remain uneasy about any HMG Representative having a direct role in the selection
process. However, Mr Lloyd has now indicated in terms that
he would (reluctantly) fall in with whatever the Governor
decides. The Home Office accept that the final decision is for the Governor to take, and have confirmed this publicly.
4. We therefore now need to press the Governor to confirm that he will appoint Mr Heap to the Committee, despite the
Home Office's continued reservations. Mr Maude had intended
to speak to the Governor along these lines during his recent visit to Hong Kong, but in the event time did not permit him to do so.
BENADQ/2
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.