-
10 -
Aviation Security Bill gazetted
The Aviation Security Bill, which seeks to establish a statutory framework on aviation security in Hong Kong so that the territory will continue to comply with international requirements, is gazetted today (Friday).
A government spokesman said the Bill aims to localise provisions in UK legislation giving effect to international conventions on aviation security, which are extended to Hong Kong by Orders-in-Council.
"The Bill also seeks to regularise the aviation security arrangements currently applied at Kai Tak Airport through administrative measures," the spokesman said.
Under the proposed legislation, any act or omission on board a Hong Kong registered aircraft, which would constitute an offence in Hong Kong if committed here, or the unlawful seizure of an aircraft in flight or any acts of destruction or violence on board an aircraft which would endanger the safety of that aircraft, will be an offence..
The Bill will establish a statutory Aviation Security Authority and an Aviation Security Programme.
"The Secretary for Security will be designated the Aviation Security Authority and will be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of the Aviation Security Programme.
"The Programme will provide guidelines on the aviation security standards required, and the Secretary for Security will be empowered to issue directions as necessary to ensure compliance with these standards," the spokesman said.
An Aviation Security Committee will be established on a statutory basis to advise the Aviation Security Authority on matters relating to aviation security.
Members of the Committee will come from the Government, the Airport Authority and the aviation industry.
The spokesman said both the draft Aviation Security Bill and the draft Aviation Security Programme had been circulated to the industry, including the Airport Authority, the airlines and the airport tenants, for detailed consultation.
"They have expressed general support for both," he said.