§ Lord Wilson of Tillyornasked Her Majesty's Government:
What will be the status after 30th June 1997 of those ethnic minorities in Hong Kong who will hold only British nationality.
§ Baroness BlatchMy right honourable friend has carefully reviewed the position of the solely British ethnic minorities in Hong Kong in the light of expressions of concern in both Houses of Parliament here and in Hong Kong that their nationality status will be uncertain after 30th June 1997. It is clear that the assurances which they have been given over a number of years have not allayed this concern. My right honourable friend therefore intends to make provision enabling them to apply for registration as British citizens giving them right of abode in the United Kingdom after 30 June 1997. He expects that the great majority of them will continue to reside in Hong Kong where they have right of abode.