HC Deb 18 February 1980 vol 979 cc6-7W
Mr. Cowans

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether a person born in Hong Kong, but claiming Chinese nationality, is part of the numerical scheme for dependent territories when applying for a work permit.

Mr. Mayhew

A citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies holding a United Kingdom passport issued by or on behalf of the Govenor of Hong Kong would have been eligible for a work permit under the special arrangements which existed in 1979. A person born in Hong Kong but who does not hold such a passport would not have been eligible under the scheme, unless he was in possession of a passport issued by another dependent territory.

Mr. Cowans

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list, by country of origin, the waiting list of applicants for work permits from the dependent territories.

Mr. Mayhew

I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.