XN000022-1994-12-14 — Page 35

- 12 -

I can therefore only commend to Members the Committee Stage Amendments which arise from the thorough discussions in six sessions of the Bills Committee and which I will be moving later on. The charging scheme we propose is in line with the Polluter Pays Principle, simple to administer and very modest by any measure - 17% of households would be exempt from sewage charges, 50% would pay less than $8 a month and 85% less than $18 a month. These levels are, I am sure, acceptable to this Council and to the community as a whole.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

End/Wednesday, December 14, 1994

Internationally Protected Persons and Taking of Hostages Bill

Following is a speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Alistair Asprey, in moving the second reading of the Internationally Protected Persons and Taking of Hostages Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I move that the Internationally Protected Persons and Taking of Hostages Bill be read a second time. This Bill seeks to localise two UK Orders in Council which now apply to Hong Kong, and which implement provisions of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents and the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages. The enactment of this Bill will enable Hong Kong to continue to implement after 30 June 1997 these important measures against terrorism. The continued application of the Conventions after the transfer of sovereignty, and the introduction of this legislation, have been agreed in the Joint Liaison Group.

End/Wednesday, December 14, 1994