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Wednesday, December 13, 1972
UNOFFICIALS SUPPORT ANTI-CRIME BILL
Community Behind Government In Combatting Crime
The Hon. P.C. Woo said today the community at large is solidly
behind the Government in its determination to win the fight against violent
crimes in Hong Kong.
He was speaking in the Legislative Council at the resumed debate
on the second reading of the Public Order (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1972.
The bill proposes to introduce, among other things, a mandatory
minimum sentence for possessing an offensive weapon in a public place
without reasonable excuse, and to enable a police officer to search a
person in a public place for any offensive weapon.
Mr. Woo said the bill has the full support of the Unofficial
Members and "I think that everyone in his right senses should applaud
Government's action."
After all, he said, the measures now proposed are to correct and
restrain a situation which threatens to get out of control.
He said the existing penalty is no doubt suitable for normal
times, but as far as violent crime is concerned, conditions at present
are not normal in Hong Kong.
"In the circumstances which now face the Colony, I fully believe
that the imposition of a mandatory minimum sentence for possession of
an offensive weapon is justified," he said.
/Mr. Woo