End
33.
To answer the specific questions:
(a)
(b)
(c)
the decision to issue a public interest immunity certificate is that of the Chief Secretary after taking legal advice from the Crown Solicitor. The categories of document in respect of which public interest immunity may be claimed and the procedures for considering and making claims are governed by the common law and also, in civil cases, by rules of court; [0.77, r.12]
since the beginning of 1993, the Chief Secretary has signed 8 public interest immunity certificates (5 in criminal proceedings, 3 in civil proceedings). Two of the cases (1 criminal, 1 civil) have not yet proceeded to trial and the certificates have not therefore been produced;
during the period referred to in the question, the Chief Secretary has not refused to sign any public interest immunity certificate.
Control on use of pagers by persons below 18
Following is a question by the Hon Lo Suk-ching and a reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
The use of pagers by teenage students is becoming increasingly common and is causing concern among schools as well as parents. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council whether, in respect of those rental and service contracts entered into with persons below the age of 18, any guideline has been issued to the paging service operators requesting them to seek the consent and countersigning of the parents or guardians of such persons; if not, whether consideration will be given to formulating such guidelines?