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S for S on withdrawal of committee stage amendment
Following is a speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in response to the withdrawal by the Hon James To of his committee stage amendment to the Appropriation Bill, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr Chairman,
I am grateful to the Honourable James To for agreeing to withdraw his committee stage amendment to the Appropriation Bill 1996. It means that we face no budgetary impediment in continuing the essential work of the Security Wing; it also means that the implementation of our important proposals to strengthen the Police capability to combat crime would not be adversely affected. I am sure that the community will also welcome Honourable Members' support in passing the Budget in its entirety, thus maintaining its careful balance.
We have taken great pains in preparing last Monday's briefing for the LegCo Security Panel to explain the work and functions of the Security Wing, without compromising our ability to protect the internal security of Hong Kong. I appreciate that some Honourable Members may have further points to make on the Security Wing. We will try our best to answer them in due course. As I have said earlier, the best way of resolving matters of concern to Honourable Members is through dialogue and discussions conducted in a spirit of mutual trust. We appreciate Honourable Members' wish to ensure that Security Wing performs its duties faithfully and lawfully. Let me assure Honourable Members that the Security Wing, like other formations of the Police Force, is governed by the Police Force Ordinance, and that all of its work is carried out strictly in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. The Commissioner of Police and I are accountable to this Council for what it does, or does not do and how effectively it performs its role.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.
End