04, 12, 1
KW.
FRUN HUNG KUNG BILL VAIT
an
However, I emphasise that this is a nationality and not immigration Bill. It is a measure designed to enable those concerned to remain in Hong Kong by giving them the assurance to
stay. Of course, the assurance will only be effective because
it carries the right to come to the UK at any time.
No doubt they would come if there was, after 1997, a collapse
of confidence. But in that event many more people from Hong Kong
would arrive seeking refuge.
Of course, we would look to the international community for
assistance, but, given our historical links with Hong Kong, who
can doubt that the UK would be under pressure to take the leading
role? The Government believes that the Bill will greatly reduce
the chance of such a collapse before 1997, and will thus increase
the prospects of a successful transition when the time comes.
I referred just now to the spouses of those selected under the
Bill. Mr Speaker, I am conscious that particular concern has
been expressed about the position of spouses of British citizens
There is of course in the special circumstances of Hong Kong.
provision in the Immigration Rules for British citizens to bring
their spouses to live with them in the United Kingdom.
I am
that the widow or prepared to offer an additional assurance that
widower of a British citizen who was resident in Hong Kong at the
time of his or her death will be allowed to settle in the United
Kingdom at any time as if coming here as the spouse of a British
citizen. To qualify for this assurance the widow or widower must
still be resident in Hong Kong, not have remarried, and not have
No comments yet.
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