HL Deb 14 January 1997 vol 577 c19WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have informed governments throughout the world that the ethnic minorities of Hong Kong will be entitled to the full diplomatic protection of the United Kingdom after the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Her Majesty's Government extend consular protection to all British nationals overseas in line with international law. This position is well known to other governments. The ethnic minorities in Hong Kong will continue to hold British nationality after the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong and they will be accorded British consular protection.