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Biological Weapons Bill
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in moving the second reading of the Biological Weapons Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
I move that the Biological Weapons Bill be read a second time.
This Bill seeks to localise the provisions of the Biological Weapons Act 1974 of the United Kingdom which has been extended to Hong Kong for the purpose of implementing in Hong Kong the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction. It is well recognised that biological weapons are extremely dangerous and capable of causing mass destruction and suffering. As an important centre for international trade in goods and services, it is desirable that we should make it clear to the international community that the obligations arising from the Convention will continue to apply to Hong Kong as we are committed to the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The enactment of the Bill would enable Hong Kong to continue to implement the Convention after 30 June 1997. The continued application of the Convention after the transfer of sovereignty and the localisation of the relevant United Kingdom legislation have been agreed in the Joint Liaison Group.
Thank you, Mr President.
End