This provision taken from the Ponce Prosorvation Ordinance
has now boan extended to much wider circumstances than in its
original setting.
Whilst this may be justificable from the
point of view of police morale, do this the best way of ensuring
that cetion is kopt within the forms of the Orlimanco?
SOO
Emergency Roguletions Ordinanco
Conclusions
Circumstances in Hong Kang at prosent socm at this distance to
justify a comprehensive statement of police powers in relation to
public order. Temporary additonal powers which are for en emergency
situation should, it is thought, anpoar noro properly in Thertoney Regulation which the Covomor-in-Council has the wided power to rake.
The decision to put certain emergency powers on a permanent
basis is a serious ono which decorves public comment. Similarly the
innovations outlined above and cortain increases in penalties called
for Government explanation and public discussion. Failure to ting
this about seems in part the result of Goverment playing it cool
(which may bo justifică in the volatilo circumstancos) and partly
because other intorestod partics wore slow off the marks. Thore appears
to be justification in the view that an Ordinace of this conscquence
did have en inadequate airing,
But to press for disallowance seems the least eccoptable stop
since any action which can be construed as bearing the implication that
the Home. Government is not supporting the local Government completely
in dealing with the situation is not likely to bo countenanced.
Where does seem room however for the local committeo to preduce
a review of the Ordinance and constructivo proposals for amendment.
}