· 5 -
The commission's conclusions follow consideration of comments made to the commission on a consultation paper on the subject issued in August 1992. Mr Stoker said there had been widespread support for the abolition of the hearsay rule and the commission's proposals should be widely welcomed.
The commission expects to publish its detailed proposals on hearsay evidence in a final report within the next two or three months.
End
Statement on allegations concerning Black Watch soldiers
The following statement is issued by the Joint Services Public Relations Staff, on behalf of Headquarters, British Forces Hong Kong Garrison:
"Both the Royal Hong Kong Police and the ICAC have this (Tuesday) morning confirmed to us that, contrary to a report in yesterday's (Monday) Eastern Express newspaper, there are no investigations into links between soldiers serving in the Black Watch Regiment and organised crime syndicates. No soldiers from that regiment have been brought back to Hong Kong for interview in connection with that or any other investigation. No certificate of immunity from prosecution has been issued to any member of the Black Watch by the police, who have no right to do so. We have today (Tuesday) confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions, who does have this power, has also not issued any such certificate of immunity.
The Hong Kong Garrison deplores in the strongest possible terms this disgraceful example of unprofessional journalism. Contrary to all normally-accepted journalistic practice, this article was at best allegedly based on uncorroborated information from an anonymous 'source'. The newspaper concerned chose to persist in publishing the story despite a categorical, on-the-record statement from this Headquarters, made on the evening of Sunday, December 31 and prior to publication. This stated that we had no knowledge of such an investigation; no record of any requests for assistance from either the RIKP or the ICAC; and no evidence of any servicemen being returned to Hong Kong for investigation. Taken together, the newspaper was informed these facts at the very least cast serious doubts on the accuracy of their information. It is noted, with considerable regret, that the newspaper chose not to print this statement which would, at least, have added to balance to this sensationalist and unbalanced report.'
"
End