TNAG-2198-FCO40-3152-Hong-Kong-nationality-spouses-and-widows-of-British-expatria-1990 — Page 83

The Concerned British Expatriates' Society

June 28, 1990

Lord Colmbrook

Tuckenhans

Waltham St Lawrence

Berks RG100JH

U.K.

Lond

Lolm brook

Flat F, 6th floor,

3 - 3G Robinson Road

Hong Kong

Chairman: Julian Walsh

Office: 844-4988

Fax: 877-2638

Home: 845-0859

citizens

I am writing to you on behalf of a group of British living in Hong Kong whose spouses do not hold full British passports.

For some years we

have been fighting to amend the immigration laws as they relate to our spouses.

We represent considerable experience in our various fields and we wish to stay in Hong Kong to continue to contribute over the coming difficult years. However, our concern for our families is forcing us to give up our careers here and return to Britain, thereby not only causing considerable disruptions to our Own lives but adding yet further to the brain drain in Hong Kong and resulting in a declining British presence here.

An amendment to the Hong Kong Bill was tabled to address our concerns and was debated in the Commons on June 13, 1990. MPS of all parties, including both supporters and opponents of the Bill in general, spoke in our favour. Not one MP spoke against us, other than the relevant minister who attempted to justify the Government policy. You may be interested to refer to columns 377 to 402 of Hansard. Unfortunately, the amendment was rejected despite the apparent lack of any serious objection to it.

We very much hope that the House of Lords will take an interest in our case in the forthcoming debate and reach the conclusion that what we seek is reasonable. I take the liberty of enclosing a paper which sets out in some detail the basis for our continuing concern. We would be most grateful if you feel able to support us in any way.

Yours sincerely,

Julian Walsh Chairman