TNAG-2196-FCO40-3144-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 10

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improved.

This is precisely what we have done. I believe that

the detailed proposals now before the House represent a thorough,

fair and objective means of selecting those Hong Kong residents

whom it would be most damaging for the territory to lose and to

whom we hope to give confidence to remain there.

I have already written to over 60 Hon and Rt Hon Members who were

fortunate enough to catch your eye, Mr Speaker, during the

debates in this House, and to those who served on Committee, to

explain how the scheme now proposed by the Governor differs from

the one envisaged in the Explanatory Notes which the Government

made available during the passage of the Act.

For the benefit of others, I should like to say a few words about

the structure of the scheme and the principal changes which have

been made.

The Order is drafted in such a way that it could serve for the

duration of the selection process between now and 1997 without

amendment. But if it transpired that some adjustment to the

scheme is necessary, in the light of experience or of changing

needs in Hong Kong, a further Order would be laid before

Parliament.

The broad structure of the scheme remains as envisaged in the

Explanatory Notes. Subject to Parliament's approval the scheme

would consist of four classes, each of which would be given a

share of the 50,000 places. The General Occupational Class

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