§ Dr. Twinnasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the diplomatic exercise to explain the new status of British National (Overseas) and the passport that goes with it.
§ Mr. EggarOver a period of nine months we have conducted an intensive diplomatic campaign to explain the background to the 1986 Order in Council and the creation through it of the status of British National (Overseas). We have drawn attention to the fact that British passports in that status will be available from 1 July 1987, and have handed over specimen copies explaining the various endorsements which will help make the passport an effective travel document both before and after 1997. We have also made it clear that the arrangements we are introducing are in the full knowledge and understanding of the Chinese Government.
The response we have received to these explanations has been overwhelmingly positive. No foreign or Commonwealth Government have said that they would not accept for entry to their territory travellers holding BN(O) passports. Many have let it be known publicly in Hong Kong that the passports are acceptable. There is therefore every reason to believe that holders of BN(O) passports will he able to travel as widely and freely as they were previously when using British dependent territories citizen passports. The Government will continue to monitor reactions carefully, and will make every effort to ensure that the arrangements which come into force on 1 July work smoothly.