XN000022-1994-12-23 — Page 5

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Government to study ICAC review report

The Government will be studying a report of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Review Committee over the next few weeks and will come to conclusions as rapidly as possible, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said this (Friday) morning,

Speaking to reporters after receiving the report from the ICAC Review Committee Chairman, Dr Helmut Sohmen, the Governor said: "I think the whole community recognises the importance of a credible and effective ICAC if we're to protect the rule of law and prevent the corrosive influence of, and impact of, corruption.

"I am extremely pleased with the work of Dr Sohmen's committee has done which, I think, will enhance the position of the ICAC."

done.

Mr Patten commended Dr Sohmen and his committee for a job extremely well

"This is a difficult job which has been carried out extremely swiftly. I know how much effort and time has been involved from all sides. I'd just want to say that I am very pleased with the report and very grateful for the work that has been done," he added.

End/Friday, December 23, 1994

ICAC Review Committee submits report

The following is issued on behalf of the ICAC Review Committee:

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Review Committee, set up in February to examine the powers and the accountability of the ICAC, has submitted its report to the Governor today (Friday).

The Chairman of the committee, Dr Helmut Sohmen, said the committee had met 15 times in the past nine months to deliberate on a wide range of issues within its terms of reference. It has come up with 76 recommendations and conclusions.