asked Her Majesty's Government:

What response the British consulate-general in Hong Kong received when they raised the exclusion from the territory of a British external examiner who was travelling on university duties. [HL5360]

The consulate-general in Hong Kong raised this case of a UK citizen, who was denied entry to Hong Kong on 24 August, with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's Security Bureau, which is responsible for immigration policy. The consulate-general expressed concern that such exclusions risked giving the impression that freedom of expression in Hong Kong was being compromised.

A security bureau official said that Hong Kong immigration officers had not been satisfied that on their arrival in Hong Kong on 24 August, they could adequately substantiate the purpose of the visit. They were also concerned that they might engage in other activities not conducive to public good while in Hong Kong, and they were denied entry. The security bureau also told the consulate-general that Hong Kong immigration does not maintain a blacklist of individuals to deny entry to; and that had the immigration officers concerned been satisfied with their answers to the questions on arrival in Hong Kong, they would have allowed the UK citizen entry.

We continue to follow developments in Hong Kong closely in line with our obligations under the joint declaration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many British citizens have been denied entry into the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region since 1 January 2007; and what reasons have been given to the British consulate-general for their exclusion in each case. [HL5362]

Figures provided by the Hong Kong immigration department show that in 2007, four UK visitors were refused entry. The reason given for the refusal was that they were improperly documented.

Between January and August 2008, eight UK visitors were refused entry. The reason given for two of the visitors was that they were improperly documented. The remaining six visitors were refused entry on the grounds of doubtful intention.