TNAG-2935-FCO40-4210-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 95

г

19 Fifth Standing Committee on

Statutory Instruments, &c.

[Mr. Allen]

HOUSE OF COMMONS

As the process unfolds during the next year or two several anomalies will become apparent. We must respond to them flexibly and with an open mind, especially in view of the delicate negotiations that are taking place with the Republic of China, and the inter- nal pressures on communities in Hong Kong. I make a general plea: I ask the Minister to bear in mind that the responsibility is onerous and not to believe that the problem has been solved. I hope that he will respond as difficulties arise. I am sure that he wishes to do the best for individuals in Hong Kong to whom we owe so much. The Opposition offer him full co-operation in obtaining the best possible settlement for those who live in Hong Kong.

11.33 am

Mr. Wardle: I shall not pander to the hon. Gentle- man's fantasies about the next general election. I am confident that, after that event, the hon. Gentleman, who is a capable chap, will continue to do an outstand- ing job on the Opposition Front Bench. He has done so during the proceedings of many Committees on which he and I have served.

Government policy is as I have set it out. The Government are mindful of their responsibilities. We have deliberated carefully about the conduct of the further tranche of the nationality scheme. We shall continue to bear our responsibilities carefully and properly.

I repeat Government assurances over the years to the non-Chinese ethnic minority in Hong Kong, that

Hong Kong (Brit. Nat.) Order 1993 Brit. Nat. (Hong Kong) Order 1993

20

“if, against all expectations, members of that group came under pressure to leave Hong Kong and had nowhere else to go, the Government of the day would be expected to consider with consider- able and particular sympathy their case for admission to the United Kingdom.".[Official Report, 9 July 1993; Vol. 228; c. 652.]

In view of the hon. Gentleman's remarks, I am happy to repeat that assurance.

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved

That the Committee has considered the draft Hong Kong (British Nationality) (Amendment) Order 1993.

DRAFT BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) (SELECTION SCHEME) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1993

Resolved

That the Committee has considered the draft British Nationality (Hong Kong) (Selection Scheme) (Amendment) Order 1993.—Mr. Wardle.]

Committee rose at twenty-five minutes to Twelve o'clock.

Jones, Mr. Barry (Chairman) Allason, Mr.

Allen, Mr.

Arbuthnot, Mr.

Banks, Mr. Robert

Carttiss, Mr.

Duncan Smith, Mr.

THE FOLLOWing Members ATTENDED THe Committee:

Hawksley, Mr. Jenkin, Mr. Mans, Mr.

Spring, Mr. Wardle, Mr. Watson, Mr.

ISBN 0-10-967493-6

9 780109 674937