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Parts (d) and (f) provide for minor consequential amendments.
The intention of proposed section 28(2) is to provide that the keeper of a dog that has been vaccinated against rabies shall ensure that his dog is implanted with a microchip. Part (e) of the resolution adds a new section 28A to provide for transitional arrangements in this respect. It clarifies that the keeper of a licensed dog that has already been vaccinated against rabies before commencement of section 28(2) is required to comply with that section only as and when the licence is renewed.
Mr President, I beg to move.
End
Fugitive Offenders Bill
Following is the speech by the Acting Secretary for Security, Mrs Carrie Yau, in moving the second reading of the Fugitive Offenders Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
I move that the Fugitive Offenders Bill be read a second time.
Surrender of fugitive offenders is an important area of international co- operation in law enforcement. This co-operation is based on the principle that an offender should not be able to avoid trial or serving a sentence by moving from one jurisdiction to another. The need to be able to return and seek the return of fugitive offenders is a key element of the administration of justice in criminal matters. This need has to be balanced by sufficient safeguards to protect the fundamental rights of the individuals involved.
Hong Kong's arrangements for the surrender of fugitive offenders are at present contained in UK extradition agreements and reciprocal arrangements with Commonwealth jurisdiction. These UK agreements and Commonwealth arrangements have been extended to Hong Kong by the relevant UK Orders in Council, but they cannot continue to apply to Hong Kong after 30 June 1997. With the agreement of the Chinese side in the Joint Liaison Group, we are therefore establishing a network of Hong Kong's own bilateral agreements with other jurisdiction for the surrender of fugitive offenders which will remain in force beyond 1997. However, we cannot bring any of our new agreements into operation until the Bill is passed into law.
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