REVISED
CONFIDENTIAL
8
HONG KONG (APPEALS) BILL
34C
(Previously 34P)
Contingent
Department
FCO
Priority
6
Purpose
M. Buk
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Сп Craniali
24/ár
To abolish appeals
Prerogative to the Judicial Committee consequent on the establishment of a court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong.
Political Implications
The Bill would be controversial in Parliament because because of the hostile reaction in Hong Kong from the legal profession and the Legislative Council to the proposal for a Court of Final Appeal. A moderation of views in Hong Kong is necessary for the passage of legislation there.
This is likely to reduce opposition to the Bill in Parliament although the Bill may be strongly opposed by some in the legal profession.
Length
Very short.
Parliamentary Procedure
LAST PAPER
House of Lords or Second Reading Committee
Royal Assent
No special requirement
Financial Aspects and EC Aspects
None
Manpower Implications
None
Timetable for Preparation
Preparation will depend on agreement with the Chinese on draft legislation to establish the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong. This is unlikely to be complete before the Autumn of 1992. Thus the legislation is likely to be needed towards the first quarter of 1993 at the earliest.
Remarks
None
CONFIDENTIAL
8