XN000022-1995-06-14 — Page 2

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Transcript of the Governor's media session

The following is a transcript of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's media session after visiting Eastern District today (Wednesday);

Question: Mr Patten, what is the Hong Kong Government going to do with Macau authorities to increase the security measures on ferries following yesterday's hijack incident?

Governor: I think we are all extremely concerned about what happened yesterday. It was a very worrying crime and we've put our crack police squad, the Organised Crime and Triad Squad in charge of dealing with it. We've accepted responsibility for co- ordinating the operation and we are working very closely with the authorities in China and in Macau in seeking the criminals who carried out this act. I think it is fair to say that we've had very good co-operation on this and on other matters with the Chinese and Macau authorities as far as the law and order situation is concerned and I am sure that will continue in this case. Clearly we've got to look at issues like security on the vessels. We've got to try to make sure that nothing like this happens again. It was worrying and we are doing everything we can to deal with it.

Question: If once suspects are arrested, which court will they be taken to, the Zhuhai court or the Hong Kong court?

Governor: I think that is a matter which we'll have to consider at the time but I think that it's agreed that we would have the jurisdiction or responsibility. I believe that is the case but I don't want to deal with the matter which is probably the responsibility of the Attorney General.

Question: Some of Legco members.. on the Court of Final Appeal Bill, what do you feel about this response?

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Governor: I think that you know my view. I think the agreement that we reached last week with China was a good one. I think it was profoundly in the interests of the people of Hong Kong. And, the sooner we can pass the Bill in the Legislative Council the better. But obviously it's for Legislative Councillors to consider the position, to consider their responsibilities and their own view of what's in Hong Kong's best interest and then in due course they will have to explain the decisions they come to the community. My hunches of the community is understanding and supportive of the agreement that we've reached. The only poll that has been done so far suggested that support was getting on for three to one in favour of the agreement and I hope that will continue through the summer. I think there was a sigh of relief in the community when this agreement was reached. But obviously there are other problems that we've now got to tackle.