1
section 17(2) are
variations
on the same theme
and are compatible with this existing offences.
Therefore, the penalty should remain at the same
level. In fact, the amendment proposed under
clause 2 of the Bill has removed the sentence of
three months and six months imprisonment from all
these offences. It must be pointed out that the
Bill before this Council is in fact proposing to
reduce the sentences for such type of offences.
Mr. Desmond LEE and Mr. Martin LEE had, after
their speeches in the Second Reading, circulated
the speeches to all the district board members
and solicited their views on the Bill. So far,
no one has responded or written to OMELCO.
4.
Finally, we consider on the deferment of the Bill
The ad hoc group also considered
the
possibility of deferring the Bill to 6 January
1988 as requested by Mr. Desmond LEE. We were
assured by the Administration that there has been
ample
consultation
since May 1986. Also, the
official date of
public campaign for the 1988
launched by the Government on
election will be
5 January
three days before nomination of
candidates. If we defer the Third Reading of
this Bill to 6 January,
to 6 January, the final gazetting date
will actually also be on 8 January.