§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the number of Hong Kong Chinese who have sought to enter the United Kingdom under the British Government proposals, as of the 25 February.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the number of applications for United Kingdom passports lodged by Hong Kong residents on the final date for application.
§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will seek a report from the governor of Hong Kong on the number of applications received for United Kingdom passports under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many applications were received for United Kingdom passports under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990, as at 28 February;
(3) what were the reasons for the number of applications for United Kingdom passports under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990 being substantially less than anticipated by the governor of Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe number of applications received is substantially less than the total number of people in Hong Kong who were eligible to apply. Because the scheme is objective and transparent, potential applicants were able to assess accurately their prospects of success. It seems likely that many people who believed that they would not succeed did not apply.
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§ Mr. KaufmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications had been received in Hong Kong for British passports at the end of the deadline date of 28 February.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe number of applications received up to midnight Hong Kong time on 28 February was 57,862. This is not, however, the final figure. Registered mail applications posted up to 28 February will also be accepted.