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b)
c)
give an idea of how the scheme will work in practice. Annex A is a provisional draft setting this out in
general terms. I intend that a less detailed version of this, pulling together the main features of the scheme, should be available to Parliament at the time
of introduction of the Bill. That document would need
to be less specific, in particular, about what was proposed for 'the sensitive services' - see paragraphs
28 below; and
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invite colleagues to agree the line which I propose
should be taken in one Or two areas of potential
difficulty.
Approved Secondment Scheme
3. One feature of the Foreign Secretary's announcement on 20 December was a proposed secondment scheme, whereby people could earn British citizenship by a total of five years' residence, partly in the UK and partly in Hong Kong. The Foreign Secretary and I have since discussed the future of this proposal. Although
some of the enthusiasm originally expressed by companies for a scheme of this sort has waned since the announcement, because of
the decision to count those granted citizenship in this way against the 50,000 ceiling, some companies remain interested and ICI and Cable and Wireless, in particular, the latter through
Lord Sharp, have expressed a strong interest in participating. Dropping the scheme now would no doubt cause disappointment for such firms and their supporters in Parliament.
4. On the other hand, the Governor of Hong Kong is firmly opposed to a secondment scheme included in the 50,000 ceiling and, as the shape of the overall package has emerged more clearly in recent weeks, I have myself developed strong doubts about the wisdom of proceeding. The secondment scheme would be likely to
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