LEGISLATORS yesterday failed to back a proposal by Governor Mr Chris Patten, aimed at easing worries over the programme to force people to switch to British National Overseas Passports (BNO) in phases in the run-up to 1997.
Mr Patten had suggested an independent board be set up to vet appeals from holders of British Dependent Territory Citizens (BDTC) passports, late in applying for their BNO passports.
The board, to be comprised of Legco members or their appointees, would have the final say on whether the ''special circumstances'' claimed by a BDTC passport holder for his late application were valid.
Members said they were disappointed that Mr Patten had turned down their requests to have a trial run of the scheme, or allow people to hold and use BNO passports on July 1, 1997.
They said they were against the phased programme because it would strip BDTC passport holders of rights before the changeover, and those who missed the deadline would lose their BDTC status.
Meeting Point legislator Dr Leong Che-hung said: ''I am disappointed by the Governor's so-called alternative proposal. It is similar to a dog barking up the wrong tree.''