TNAG-2633-FCO40-3824-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-Nationality-(Hong-K-1992 — Page 132

BACKGROUND

1.

A

CONFIDENTIAL

Tony Marlow was active in the Second Reading Debate of

British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act (BNHKA) opposing it on

immigration grounds. (Hansard Extract attached). This question is designed to establish whether the Government's original estimate of the 225,000 total immigration commitment

is likely to be exceeded.

2. The BNHKA 1990 provides for the selection of 50,000 principle Hong Kong beneficiaries in two tranches. Selection

under the first tranche is expected to be concluded by the end

of 1993. 43,250 places were available. The advice from Hong Kong indicates that only some 39,418 places will be allocated. We presume the shortfall is the result of under application in some categories and insufficient high grade candidates in

other categories. The surplus from the first tranche will be distributed in the second tranche, due to commence in January

1994.

backg.PQ.BTC

JEB

CONFIDENTIAL