XN000022-1974-02-13 — Page 17

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Wednesday, February 13, 1974

CLOSE WATCH WILL BE KEPT ON ICAC POWERS

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The Independent Commission Against Corruption was urged to

givo priority attention to the provision of adequate protection to

those who are prepared to come forward to give information on corruption.

The extent of protection, the Senior Unofficial Legco Menbor,

the Hon. Woo Pak Chuen said, would determine in large part the success

of the new Commission.

While giving every support of the Unofficials to the now Commission,

which he described as a "fearless independent body", he noted that its

powers were wide and extensive, and that it would be necessary for the

Council to ensure always that they were not abused.

He said he was sure however that the new Commissioner would use

the new powers most carefully. "It is because of our trust in Mr. Cater

that wo agroe to the granting of these powers," he said.

He was also confident that Mr. Cater would be supported by most

of the people of Hong Kong and he called upon every member of the community

to adopt a now outlook on corrupt practices.

"It is only by widespread determination to eradicate this evil that

success can be achieved," he stressed."

He said it was unfair to criticise the new organisation as being

in effect the old one in new guise because it was inevitable that previous

personnel should continue in their employment during the interim period

when new staff were being recruited.

However,