CODE 18-77
Mr Powe,
HKD
HONG KONG AGREEMENT:
1.
RESTRICTED
Ver
We shi
ابع
Reference..
unible pen.
Sum
LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE
169
dor Galswory
My them
Pa
in
ما رد مالی
to our
1x main question on
My answers to the points in your minute of 31 October (which has been kept for my return to the office) are as follows:-
Overtakin
legcolate
Proscedant
(a) My understanding of the policy and practice is based solely on paragraph 3.11 of the Guide to Legislative Procedures. It is customary to include in the instructions to Parliamentary Counsel a reference to the consent of the leader of the House of Commons for the drafting of the Bill by Parliamentary Counsel.
(b)
I can show you a precedent of "Notes on Clauses". It is voluminous.
2.
(c)
(d)
The Bill will affect the prerogative of the Crown. It will terminate Her Majesty's powers to exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction in Hong Kong. I am seeking a copy of a fairly standard form letter seeking this consent, which is obtained whenever a colony is granted independence.
We should plan on the basis that Parliamentary Counsel's first draft of a Bill will need to be followed by further consultation with him, and one or more revised drafts. It will be for him and us to say when, as officials, we are satisfied with it.
I may, on an ad hoc basis, seek the assistance of one or more of my colleagues. As you know, Michael Wood is already helping us over privileges and immunities. The Legal Adviser (or Acting Legal Adviser) will also of course be involved, and you should continue to copy the main papers to him.
HKK040/53
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
06 NOV 1984
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
REGISTRY
Bunows
Burrows
Action Taken Legal Counsellor
100
5 November 1984
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