HL Deb 28 April 1999 vol 600 cc35-6WA
The Earl of Iveagh

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of their Overseas Territories White Paper, whether they will implement any measures to lessen the bureaucratic burden upon Saint Helenians visiting or working in those places where they currently need permits; and if so, what would those measures be. [HL2036]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Her Majesty's Government intend to bring forward legislation to offer British citizenship to those citizens of UK Overseas Territories who do not already have it.

Her Majesty's Government are considering the possibility of taking interim measures under existing regulations to help BDTCs to enter and remain in the UK. Meanwhile the current immigration regulations remain in force and citizens of UK Overseas Territories currently in the UK are still subject to the conditions attached to their permission to stay in the UK.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to introduce legislation to offer British citizenship to those citizens of the British Dependent Territories who wish to have it. [HL2031]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave today to the noble Lord, the Earl of Iveagh. [HL2036]