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y
For discussion
on 25th January 1977
MO. 51
XCR(77)262
Copy No
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
REVIEW OF THE TIME SYSTEM IN HONG KONG
INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES
(AMENDMENT) BILL 1977
•
1/2
3 FEB 1977
HKK3701
A
Introduction
On 1st June 1976, after considering memorandum XCR(76)104 (at Annex A), the Council advised and the Governor ordered:
(a) that the present dual time system in Hong Kong should be replaced by a fixed time system called "Hong Kong Time", on the basis of GMT + 9 hours; and
(b) that the Interpretation and General Clauses (Amendment)
Bill 1976 should be introduced into the Legislative Council.
The Governor directed that the bill should be published about one month before its introduction into the Legislative Council to allow time for public comment.
B
C.S. 84
Public reaction to the bill
2
After the publication of the amending bill which set "Hong Kong Time" to GMT+9 hours, a strong and adverse reaction was voiced by the press and the public. A summary of the press comments on the summer time proposal is at Annex B. Though the basic facts and argu- ments have not altered to any significant degree, it seems clear that the majority of the public was in favour of a single time system. The pro- posal to use summer time (GMT + 9) did, however, meet with more objection than was expected.
3
This strong objection from the public echoes the findings of previous surveys which indicate that a large part of the public favours GMT +8 rather than GMT + 9 as Hong Kong Time. So far however the public has had no opportunity actually to experience a full year, both summer and winter, on Standard Time (GMT+8), and there is thus no sound basis for the reported preference. It is considered unwise to introduce the original Interpretation and General Clauses (Amendment) Bill 1976 into the Legislative Council at this time in disregard of public opinion. Instead, it is proposed to try Standard Time (GMT+8) through- out the coming summer, so that the public can experience for themselves
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