- 15
For all these reasons the Government feels it would be a retrograde step to introduce mandatory minimum sentences for the offences under considera- tion. Indeed, there appears to be a strong case for removing the one existing mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment in respect of the possesion of offensive weapons. This has been the subject of a great deal of criticism from the Judiciary and others as unnecessary and contrary to the tradition of the common law. Proposals for rationalising and strengthening this area of the law have recently been approved by the Fight Crime Committee and will soon be considered by the Executive Council.
I trust that these all too brief remarks may serve to give Members a clear indication of the Government's position on the valuable points raised by Members, and will at the same time provide a basis for further discussion and debate.
His Excellency called for solid progress in the coming year towards improving the life of the people of Hong Kong. I believe strongly that the legal system is one of the pillars of our society that is essential to its prosperity and stability. My Chambers plays an important part in the administration of justice and in preparing fresh legislation to carry forward policies of the administration. We are presently examining the Select Committee's report on Complex Commercial Crime with a view to its early implementation. Law Reform Commission has 11 sub-committees reviewing areas of the law where there is a case for
The
/...16