HC Deb 18 October 1982 vol 29 cc40-1W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest estimate of British citizens living in Hong Kong at the latest date.

Mr. Rifkind:

It is estimated that, when the British Nationality Act 1981 comes into effect on 1 January 1983, there will be 19,000 British citizens living in Hong Kong, not including members of the British Forces and their families.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultation has taken place with the citizens of Hong Kong concerning the possible renewal of the lease of the New Territories.

Mr. Rifkind:

Many groups and individuals in Hong Kong have already made known their views on Hong Kong's future, including a group of unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative Councils who called on my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in early September. During her recent visit to Hong Kong, my right hon. Friend heard the views of a wide cross-section of people. She emphasised the importance which Her Majesty's Government attach to consultation with the people of Hong Kong.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what bodies and organisations in Hong Kong have made representations concerning the future of the colony.

Mr. Rifkind:

Representations about the future of Hong Kong have been received from the following bodies and organisations in Hong Kong: Catholic Institute for International Relations Hong Kong Observers Reform Club of Hong Kong Hong Kong Civic Association Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong and Kowloon Trades Union Council Hong Kong Belongers Association Hong Kong Prospect Institute General Association of Kowloon District Associations Committee for the Study of Public Opinion on the Future of Hong Kong Oriental Daily News Hong Kong Baptist College, Communications Department Association for Democracy of Hong Kong A group of students from the Student Unions of Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic and Baptist College A delegation representing several hundred Chinese schools, clansmen's associations and trade unions, including Hwa Kiu College, Hong Kong and Kowloon Private Chinese Schools Association, Hong Kong Alumni Associations of Taiwan Post-Secondary Colleges, Hong Kong Federation of Clansman Associations, United Chung Wah Martial Art and Athletic Association, Hong Kong and Kowloon Trades Union Council and its 90 affiliated trade and craft unions, and world Chinese Traders General Association.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with the lease of the New Territories, Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind:

I have nothing to add to the replies given today by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the various questions on Hong Kong asked by the hon. Member.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of the official declaration of the Government of China on their claim for sovereignty over Hong Kong, what action he has taken or intends taking to resolve this problem.

Mr. Rifkind:

I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the agreed statement issued on 24 September, after the Prime Minister's discussions in Peking, which read: Today the leaders of both countries held far-reaching talks in a friendly atmosphere on the future of Hong Kong. Both leaders made clear their respective positions on this subject. They agreed to enter talks through diplomatic channels following the visit with the common aim of maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

Meetings in Peking to follow up my right hon. Friend's visit have begun.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give the actual or estimated number of people now resident in Hong Kong who are able to claim admission and residence in the United Kingdom; and to what extent this number will be altered by the coming into effect of the British Nationality Act in 1983.

Mr. Rifkind:

Some 19,000 patrials in Hong Kong will become British citizens on 1 January 1983. There is an unknown, but probably small, number of other persons with right of admission or readmission under the Immigration Act or rules. Immigration status is unchanged by the British Nationality Act 1981.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is, for the latest most convenient date, the number of persons now resident in or who are natives of Hong Kong who are entitled to emigrate and settle in the United Kingdom should they so desire and decide.

Mr. Rifkind:

With regard to those resident in Hong Kong, the hon. Member is referred to my answer to his earlier question. Statistics on natives of Hong Kong who are resident outside Hong Kong but are entitled to settle in the United Kingdom are not available.