On the other hand some particular amendments may provoke criticism, especially among the legal profession and those who look out for alleged restrictions on civil rights. In this context the require- ment on a person served with a notice to answer questions in respect of a three year period, and the power to detain persons while a search is being carried out, may be criticised.
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The proposed clause 15 of the Prevention of Bribery (Amendment) Bill 1980, which will empower the courts to prohibit the employment of convicted persons either in a particular business or a class of business where they consider it to be in the public interest to do so, is likely to generate considerable public debate. There has already been speculation about Government's intention. Although the power in clause 15 in relation to the private sector is much less absolute than section 33 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance was intended to be in respect of the staff of public bodies, it may still be opposed in some quarters, but careful explanation of the general intention of this clause will help to allay fears.