- 8
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
drafting the
second reading
speech. This may need to be cleared with the Branch Secretary concerned,
other
Branch
of
Secretaries, Heads of Departments
concerned,
Information
Draftsman.
It
Director
Services and the Law is therefore advisable for the first draft of the second reading speech to
to be produced immediately after the Executive Council meeting at which the introduction of the bill is approved;
maintaining records of public comments, press cuttings, letters and other reaction to the bill;
arranging publicity and drafting press release in consultation with the Director of Information Services;
in
drafting further speeches or explanations which may need to be given by the Official Member charge of the bill (e.g. the Official Member's reply in the debate on second reading or a short speech prefacing committee stage amendments); and
committee
seeking instructions, if fresh policy decisions are required, and obtaining agreement to proposed
stage amendments. Close contact must be maintained with the Attorney General's Chambers, the Director of Information Services and the Clerk to the Legislative Council.
The assent of the Governor
15
A bill which has received its third reading becomes law when it receives the Governor's assent. The Governor's assent is normally given on the day following the third reading in the Legislative Council. The bill is then published as an ordinance in Supplement No. 1 to the Government Gazette and becomes law, unless the ordinance