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I find it hard to believe that this is what Mr Simon Ip wants. Yet that is the risk we would be running if his amendment was passed. Whilst we will continue to work very hard for an agreement in the JLG, we cannot guarantee that we will get one in the timeframe available.
Conclusion
The issue before this Council today is a simple one, but a very important one. It is an issue that must be faced and faced squarely now. Do we, or do we not, want a CFA set up before 1997? The Administration's answer is an unequivocal "yes". We are fully convinced that a CFA established before 1997 is in the best interests of the people of Hong Kong. As a party to the 1991 Agreement, and from subsequent public statements, this view is shared by the Chinese side. And, as I have already pointed out, the only realistic way to do this is on the basis of the 1991 agreement. There is nothing to be gained by further delay.
I therefore strongly urge the Members of this Council to support Mr McGregor's motion. That will give the people of Hong Kong, and international investors, a clear signal that this Council is committed to the rule of law, and that its Members are prepared to do their part in ensuring continuity in the judicial system in Hong Kong during the transition in 1997.
End/Wednesday, May 3, 1995
AG on Court of Final Appeal
Following is the speech by the Attorney General, the Hon Jeremy Mathews, in the Legislative Council motion debate on Court of Final Appeal today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
There are few current issues, if any, that are of more importance to our legal system and to the rule of law than the establishment of the Court of Final Appeal. The legal and at times passionate debate this afternoon and this evening there are eloquent testimony to that. The Chief Secretary has spoken earlier of the overwhelming need to establish the court as soon as possible. The speeches today have demonstrated that there is a clear consensus in this Council on that point.