HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 18 January 1989
香港立法局 ————一九八九年一月十八日
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in the first instance try to make suggestions for alternative arrangements. The organizers themselves are free to make counter suggestions and the aim, before we get to the point where an appeal is necessary, is to find through discussion an acceptable compromise between the organizer's desires on the one hand, and the need to safeguard the community from annoyance, inconvenience or danger on the other. If all that fails, then of course the question of appeal to the Governor does arise and I understand, as I have just said, that this can be lengthy and I also understand that this matter is being looked at.
MR. MARTIN LEE: Sir, does the Government subscribe to the view that to hold a public meeting is a matter of civic right and therefore it would be wrong in principle for the Commissioner of Police to impose any conditions whatsoever unless it be felt absolutely essential for the protection of the common good?
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: Sir, we have laws in Hong Kong and we have a police force in Hong Kong which is authorized by this particular law to be the authority. I think I made it quite clear this afternoon that this authority is not being abused. Civic rights, naturally, have to fit into the laws. As I say, there is no evidence that this law is being abused and I think that answers Mr. LEE's question.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT: Mr. LEE, would you wait for me to call you. I did say I would draw a line at this point because many Members have asked supplementary questions and we must move on. I will allow you, since you are so anxious, to ask one supplementary.
MR. MARTIN LEE: I am obliged, Sir. I am not asking a new one, but I do not believe my last one was answered. I asked the Secretary whether he subscribed to the view which I spelt out for him. The answer should be yes or no, or I do not know.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT: Would you re-phrase that as a question, otherwise it would not be in order.
MR. MARTIN LEE: Does the Government subscribe to the view that to hold a public meeting is a matter of civic right, and therefore it would be totally wrong in principle to attach conditions unless it be thought absolutely essential for the protection of the common good?
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