§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what responsibilities his Department undertakes in connection with British overseas territories. [123991]
§ Beverley Hughes[holding answer 16 July 2003]: Under British nationality legislation my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is responsible for nationality issues in the British overseas territories. He delegates a proportion of his certain functions under the Act to the Governors of the territories. The Home Office nevertheless retains an interest in the proper administration of all aspects of the nationality legislation and, in conjunction with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, provides instructions, guidance and training on nationality matters to Governors and their staff in the territories. Through the United Kingdom Passport Service my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is also responsible currently for the issue of British citizen passports for some of the territories.