statement on 20 December.
First,
that current rates of
emigration and reduced confidence pose a real threat to Hong
Kong's stability in the period before 1997. Second, that most
of those who are emigrating do so reluctantly, because it is the
only means of acquiring the assurance of a foreign passport.
thirdly, that most of them would remain if such an assurance were
available without the need to leave Hong Kong.
The discussions which have taken place since December with the
Hong Kong Government and the representations which have been
received from many Hong Kong interests, including British firms
operating there, have reinforced our conviction that these
assumptions are correct.
Let it be admitted from the outset: the remedy that the Bill
offers represents an unprecedented departure from the normal
principles of our nationality law. We considered very carefully
whether a scheme leading to entry clearance, rather than full
citizenship, would have sufficed. However, it is clear that
such a solution would not resolve the problem. On the contrary,
entry clearance assurances would have precisely the opposite of
the intended effect by drawing recipients to the UK in order to
establish the residential qualification for citizenship.
The Governor of Hong Kong has assured us that the assurance of
citizenship is the only effective remedy. All the evidence
emerging from Hong Kong supports this and the Government is
persuaded that it is so.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.