SECRET
XCX(93)44
LEGISLATIVE TIMETABLE
12
Subject to Members' approval of the introduction of this Bill into
the Legislative Council, the legislative timetable will be -
Publication in the Gazette
First Reading and commencement of the Second Reading debate
Resumption of Second Reading debate, committee stage and Third Reading
22 October 1993
27 October 1993
to be notified
CHINA DIMENSION
13
To avoid Chinese misunderstanding, HMA Peking would approach the Chinese on 13 October 1993 informing them of the amendment to the Boundary and Election Commission Ordinance so as to pre-empt any unnecessary speculation on their part in the event, however unlikely, of a leakage. There is a danger that the Chinese might wrongly conclude that we have until April 1994 for the talks. We shall tell them that we have only weeks, rather than months, to conclude the talks; and that the Bill does not affect this fact.
FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS
14
The Bill has no financial or staffing implications.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
15
Given the tight timetable (paragraph 12 above) and the technical nature of the proposed legislative amendments, we do not intend to consult the public regarding this proposal. However, the Chairman of the BEC will be briefed, on a confidential basis, as soon as the proposal is endorsed by Members so that the BEC can make the necessary changes in its work plan.
Executive Council