HKG 380/1
EXTRACT FROM STATEMENT BY THE HONG KONG COLONIAL SECRETARY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON 9 NOVEMBER 1975
"In future, whenever the Governor commutes a death penalty, he will impose the alternative punishment of life imprison- ment unless, in exceptional circumstances, he feels able to accept advice from the Executive Council that a lesser sentence should be imposed.
"Life imprisonment will mean precisely what it says and the prisoner will not be released to society again for the term of his natural existence.
HKGD
28 April 1977