British Citizenship Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty's Government: What is their response to the concerns raised in the letter “BN(O) limbo”, published in the South China Morning Post on 25 September, highlighting the continuing difficulties faced by British Nationals (Overseas) of Indian origin waiting for British citizenship certificates; and whether they will place a copy of the letter and their response in the Library of the House.[HL7531] The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal) There have been some technical difficulties surrounding the processing of applications for citizenship from Hong Kong, which have now been resolved, and the Home Office is working closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure that all such applications and requests are processed quickly. Neither the Home Office nor the British Consulate General in Hong Kong has replied to the noble Lord's open letter which appeared in the South China Morning Post on 25 September 2006. We do not feel it appropriate to respond to letters using the open letters page of local newspapers, which are subject to the editors unencumbered right to edit the contents of any letter forwarded for publication. We will always respond to letters sent direct to the Home Office or Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty’s Government: Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 18 October (WA 187),what is the basis for their assertion that a person who acquired British Overseas citizenship under Article 6(1) of the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986 as a result of being a Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizen under Section 16 of the British NationalityAct 1981 did so by birth; and whether they will make the relevant updates to the B(OS) application form and guidance notes.[HL7837] Baroness Scotland of Asthal I said in my previous Answer that a person who was a British Overseas citizen under Article 6(1) of the 1986 Order “will be so effectively by birth”—the implication being that it would suffice for the purpose of his or her application under Section 4B of the British Nationality Act 1981 to indicate that such was the derivation of his or her British Overseas citizenship. I acknowledged inthat reply that some changes were needed so that references to Section 4B applications gave clear guidance to those who had acquired British Overseas citizenship on that basis. We shall at the same time ensure that the form and guide B(OS) appropriately cater for those who are British Overseas citizens under Article 6(2) of the 1986 order. Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty's Government: Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 18 October (WA 186-7), whether they will also update section 8 of the British citizenship application form B(OS) and part 8 of guide B(OS) to explain how an applicant who became a British overseas citizen ipso jure under Article 6(2) of the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986 should complete the application form.[HL7838] Baroness Scotland of Asthal I refer the noble Lord to my Answer to his Question (HL7837). Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty's Government: Whether they have responded to the matters raised in the letter published in the South China Morning Post on 23 October, highlighting the issues which continue to face British nationals (overseas) of Indian origin waiting for British citizenship certificates; and whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of the letter and their response.[HL7932] Baroness Scotland of Asthal I draw the noble Lord's attention to my Answer to his Question (HL7531). Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty's Government: To whom a person resident in Hong Kong should write asking for recompense if he or she has suffered financial loss as a result of an erroneous refusal of an application for British citizenship by the Home Office; what details that person should include with her request; and whether they will place in the Library of the House the criteria or guidelines against which any such application is assessed.[HL8102] Baroness Scotland of Asthal Customers seeking recompense in such circumstances should write to: IND Customer Focus Team 11th Floor West Wing Block C, Whitgift Centre Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 1 AT Full details should be provided of the financialloss incurred. When deciding whether a payment of compensation should be made, reference is made to the Government Accounting manual, which exists to ensure the proper handling of public funds. The general principle is that where there has been maladministration on the part of the IND redress will be provided, which is fair and reasonable, in light of all the facts and circumstances of the case. Any payment of compensation is not a legal entitlement and may be subject to approval by the Treasury. Each application for compensation is considered on its merits. A hard copy of the Government Accounting manual is published by The Stationery Office. It can also be accessed online via www.government-accounting.gov.uk or through the HM Treasury website www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.