FOR PRU USE ONLY
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
HOUSE OF COMMONS: FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
HEAD OF
Please submit:
HKD
a draft answer and background
to Parliamentary Relations Unit before NOON 25/7/90
DATE TABLE
23/7/90
WHITE O.P. DATE
FOR
26/7/90
QUESTION
PRIORITY
WRITTEN ANSWER ON
26/7/90
SERIAL NO:
3005
W
52
MR CLIVE SOLEY [HAMMERSMITH]
To ask the Secretary of State:
what assessment he has made of the effect on civil and political rights in Hong Kong of the recent
prosecutions under the Summary Offences Ordinance.
MKB 011 IS
RECEIVER
TO PS/
THE EARL of CAITANESS
(Minister)
for approval by
NOON 26 JUL 1990
PQs
Reply
FOR ANSWER BY
MR LENNOX - BOYD
ANSWER
31 JUL 1990
дин
(Minister)
It would not be appropriate for() to comment on the details of specific cases at this stage since the matter is sub-judice pending the outcome of current court hearings.
But
tld it would not be right to view the current controls on the use of loudspeakers in public and the public collection of money as an infringement of civil liberties. These laws are of long standing and are widely understood, and supported, in the community. It should be noted that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provide that the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly may be subject to restrictions necessary, inter alia, for the respect and protection of the rights and freedoms of others. The restriction on the use of loudspeakers is imposed very much with this in mind as excessive noise ina public place may create nuisance for members of the community.
Copy to:
Private Secretary
PS/M2 LENNOX-BOYD
(Minister)
Parliamentary Clerk
Authorised
R. Maroda
(Head of Dept)