Immigration and Nationality Department
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Telephone 081-760
(GTN 3822)
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ce. Mr J Monis, Feo.
Miskellas.
[HOME OFFICE
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B2.
Mr Donald Tsang
Director of Administration
Government Secretariat
Lower Albert Road
HONG KONG
Your reference
Our reference
Date
4 April, 1991
Dear Donald,
GOVERNOR'S ANNUAL REPORT
During my last visit to Hong Kong, we discussed the timing of the annual report which, under section 4 of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990 is required to be submitted to the Secretary of State by the Governor, and the sort of things which the Governor might include in this report.
With regard to timing, I am advised that, although the scheme set out in the Order in Council did not come into effect until 1 December 1990, the Governor had other functions under the Act (notably in relation to the Steering Group) which he presumably exercised from the coming into force of the Act on 7 November 1990. My advice is that the first annual report should therefore cover the period from 7 November 1990 to 6 November 1991. Publication need not necessarily take place on or before 6 November: the report simply needs to cover that period. Our Ministers feel that presentation to Parliament shortly before Christmas would be a suitable time, thus allowing for the report to be debated early in the New Year. We shall confirm precise timing later this year.
On the question of content, as you know, Ministers have undertaken that the annual reports will be made available to Parliament. We are assuming that there will be a fair amount of Parliamentary and press interest and that the first report, at least, may be debated. Comprehensive statistical data on applicants
on applicants and recipients of citizenship will be expected. In addition, as exchanges during Report stage in the Commons indicated, a certain amount of general and subjective comment by the Governor will be expected, over and above a straight narrative on the discharge of his functions under the Act.
In attach at Annex A a list of topics which we suggest should be included. The list is broken down into first and second order priorities.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.