TNAG-2945-FCO40-4221-British-Nationality-Hong-Kong-Act-(BNHKA)-1990-passports-for-1993 — Page 6

From: Lieutenant Commander S J J BROWN Royal Navy

PLOVER

Rt Rev F J Walmsley Bishopric of the Forces

26 The Crescent Farnborough Hampshire

GU14 7AS

HMS PLOVER

BFPO 360

13 August 1993

H

Aeen Kevern) (Walrosto

Wainsby

Thank you for your letter dated 6 July and I very much apologise for the delay in the response - Lieutenant EVANS left HMS PLOVER in March and I suspect that this matter slipped through during his supersession.

There are currently about 300 RN Locally Entered Personnel (LEP) and just over a thousand Army LEP in the Hong Kong Military Service Corps. Under the British Nationality Act, RN LEP and HKMSC are included in the Disciplinary Services Group along with the Police, Prison Service, Fire Service etc. In the first phase of the scheme the Disciplinary Services were allocated passports in the ratio of about 1 in 7 and approximately 43 RN applicants were successful. There are still a few more passports to be allocated in the second tranche but the numbers will be very small - about 10.

Although the passport issue is a very sensitive one and Primary Legislation would be required to change the scheme, we believe that the UK passport for these ratings who have loyally served the Crown, sharing the dangers and hardships of their UK Naval Colleagues, is a right and not a grudgingly bestowed privilege. Indeed, when retention was perceived to be a major problem just a few years ago, MOD was actively considering transferring LEP direct to the Royal Navy in UK!

This matter has recently been raised in the House of Lords by Lords Geddes and Shackleton and we very much appreciate your interest and welcome any support you can give. Thank you for your concern over this difficult and emotive issue and please do not hesitate to write should you require further information.

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