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Garrison Law
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Cheung Bing-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
In connection with the "Garrison Law of the People's Republic of China for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on 30 December 1996, will the Government inform this Council:
Reply:
(a) whether there are any corresponding local laws that need to be enacted before 30 June this year; if so, of the progress of the discussions in the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group in this regard; if not, how the Government can ensure that a legal vacuum will not emerge when the British Forces are replaced by the People's Liberation Army troops stationed in the territory on 1 July 1997; and
(b)
Mr President.
(a)
(b)
of the progress of the review of existing laws involving the rights and exemptions enjoyed by troops stationed in the territory?
We are studying the Garrison Law carefully to identify any need for enacting new local legislation or amending existing legislation. To ensure that the Law can be successfully implemented in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region after 30 June, we have expressed our wish to discuss with Chinese legal experts and clarify a number of key provisions of the Law. We are still waiting for the Chinese side's
response.
The question of reviewing the rights and exemptions for the garrison under existing Hong Kong laws is dealt with under the overall adaptation of laws exercise. The process is to ensure that they will not contravene the Basic Law and will suit the circumstances of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
End