HK2ADH
POINTS TO MAKE
CONFIDENTIAL
CALL ON MR LUCE BY MR JOHN MORRIS QC MP
1215 MONDAY 24 JUNE
NEED FOR BILL
1. As part of its plans for the development of representative
Government in the territory, Hong Kong Government consider it
necessary to set down in law the powers and privileges of LEGCO
members before the new LEGCO meets in October. The new LEGCO will
have for the first time a group of elected members, without
previous experience of LEGCO and with close ties to the various
groups and interests that have chosen them.
2. Aim of Bill is essentially to reflect in one piece of
Legislation Long accepted conventions concerning parliamentary
privileges and immunities and the jurisdiction of the courts, both
here in Westminster and in a number of colonial territories.
CONTENT OF BILL AND CONSULTATION
3. Bill has been examined in detail by a LEGCO sub-committee since
Late last year, and was amended by them. It was considered and
endorsed by EXCO in May, then published for comments. In view of
wide range of comments received after First Reading, Second Reading
was deferred by 2 weeks to allow more time for these.
4. The original Bill has been substantially amended to take account
of public comments. Amended Bill to be further debated at Committee
State on 26 June, when Hong Kong Government will also propose amendments to Clause 8 (3) (to include references to the need for a
Council resolution) and 19 (A) (to remove reference to "insults").
These amendments have gone a long way to meet public comment on the
Bill. Any further concerns of "Justice" or others, eg their representaions that clauses 8(2) and 23 should also be amended,
& should be brought to Hong Kong Government or UMELCO attention before
26 June.
CONFIDENTIAL