TNAG-2374-FCO40-3449-Hong-Kong-nationality-UK-passport-scheme-British-Nationalit-1991 — Page 33

HKD 340/4

RECEIV

19 APR 1991

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

TRY

Laker

Foreign & Commonwealth

Office

157

London SW1 2AH

Regens

From The Minister of State

10 April 1991

Thank you for your letter of 22 March 1991.

Mr Cox, fii.

*M0/4

I understand the feeling of the Hong Kong Bar Association. I have no doubt that the easiest way to meet your concern would be to accept your proposal. However, I do not think that the meaning of "service with a British undertaking" can be stretched to include membership of one of the Inns of Courts in the UK, given the definition of "British undertaking" in Article 7 of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) (Selection Scheme) Order 1990. Moreover, such membership is incidental to call to the English Bar, which of course already attracts the maximum points for professional qualification in the occupational group of legal professionals.

That is not to say, however, that the case of barristers as represented by you is closed. The Hong Kong Government is deliberating on how special circumstances points might best be applied to various important groups to ensure that they are adequately catered for under the British Nationality scheme. They are mindful of the representations you have made.

No

With regard to special circumstances points, I should perhaps explain that their award is discretionary. applicants, whether individually or as a group, are entitled to any points, or to the maximum number of points if points are awarded. The special circumstances points can certainly be applied to highlight special qualities amongst the many who might otherwise appear to have an equal claim.

I am sorry that it is not possible to meet your concerns in quite the way you proposed, but I hope I can reassure you that the Hong Kong Government will give the case of barristers due weight in assessing their success rate under the scheme.

Anthony G Rogers Esq QC Chairman

The Hong Kong Bar Association LG3/Floor

The Supreme Court

38 Queensway

HONG KONG

к Carthag

lovely

THE EARL OF CAITHNESS