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submissions that argument found favour with magistrates.
I
However, Sir, I shall reflect on Mr. Wong's point and find out
if this part of the section is much used in practice If we had to
consider any amendments to this section, Mr. Wong's concern would
certainly be addressed at that time.
Mr. Martin Lee:- In view of recent criticisms of the law of loitering
by eminent lawyers from both branches of the legal profession does
the honourable and learned Attorney General think it desirable to
refer this matter to the Law Reform Commission of which he is Chairman
on the understanding that if he does so I will volunteer to chair the
sub-committee? (laughter)
The Attorney General:- I shall certainly take note of my learned friend's
willingness to participate fully in the work of any of the sub-committee formed
on the subject. My friend generalises about the views of the professions on
this and there have been a number of different views which it would be
impossible to accommodate, I think, even in one working group chaired by
my friend. So for the moment I think that the matter that is raised by
the decision of the Court of Appeal is the most urgent consideration
in view of the fact that if the Privy Council decline to hear an
appeal or decide an appeal against the Crown then it is inevitable
that there would have been changes in police procedures and, indeed
one would have thought, possible amendments to the law.
would be the duty of the Government to give urgent consideration to
those matters and I think that the time it would take for the Law Reform
Commission sub-committee to consider and come up with recommendations
would leave the community too long at risk without proper preventive
powers in the hands of the police.
I think it