§ [References are to [Bill 99] as first printed for the Commons.]
§ 1 Clause 2, page 1, line 16, at end insert ", a British National (Overseas)"
§ 2 Clause 15, page 8, line 14, at end insert—
§
( ) The Secretary of State may appoint a later day for the commencement of so much of section 2(2)(a) as refers to the status of British National (Overseas).
§ Lord Lucas of ChilworthMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their amendments. Perhaps it may be for the convenience of your Lordships if I remind the House that the amendment refers to the 16th line on page 1 of the Bill. This is incorrectly printed on the face as "15". I do not think that that will imperil our considerations of the Commons amendments. I think perhaps that it would be for your Lordships' convenience if I move both Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The House will recall that at the Second Reading in February of this year we were discussing the fact that the Bill essentially fulfils international obligations concerning private sector activities in outer space. The Bill will provide the legal framework within which private-sector companies will have to plan their space projects. It sets up a licensing system which will enable us to exercise the required measure of supervision.
The two amendments which we are considering are purely technical and are to take account of the fact that since your Lordships considered this Bill, the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order has been made. This order creates a new category of British nationality whose holders will be known as British Nationals (Overseas). Amendment No. 1 includes these persons in the definition of "United Kingdom nationals" for the purpose of this Act in order to ensure that they will be "persons to whom this Act applies", since we shall be responsible for any outer-space activities carried on by British Nationals (Overseas).
965 Amendment No. 2 is consequential upon the first in dealing with a possible problem of timing. Since the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order does not come into effect until 1st July 1987, and whereas this Bill may be effected earlier, the amendment allows for a later commencement date with reference to British Nationals (Overseas), as specified in Clause 2(2)(a) of the Bill. Therefore, when this new category of British Nationals comes into existence, we can commence the Clause 2(2)(a) provision and thereby make persons falling within it persons to whom "this Act applies". I hope that that is reasonably clear. I assure the House that this is essentially a technical matter. I beg to move that this House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 1 and 2.
§ Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in the said amendments.—(Lord Lucas of Chilworth.)
§ Lord Williams of ElvelMy Lords, we have no objection to these amendments which, as the noble Lord has said, are consequential upon certain other things that have happened. However, I cannot let the occasion pass without objecting yet again to the expression "British National (Overseas)". However, I am not going to oppose the amendments simply for that objection which is an objection of principle and not an objection that relates to this particular Bill.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.