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Neither the JSC nor the JORC will have any power to make recommendations on appointments to the CFA before July 1, 1997. But that does not prevent those persons who are designated as members of the JORC from considering possible appointees before that date so that they can make recommendations to the Chief Executive to enable appointments to be made on July 1, 1997. Such consideration would have no legal effect and would not in any way undermine the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary or the independence of the JSC.

The Bar Association has also failed to make clear the implications of the position it has taken. By suggesting that the CFA Bill should not be supported, the Bar Association is ignoring the fact that the consequence of not enacting it this session would be that there will be a judicial vacuum in 1997, until the CFA was established by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) after July 1, 1997, at a time and on a basis about which there can be no certainty. This would create unnecessary and damaging uncertainty about the eventual form of the CFA. On the other hand, passage of the Bill will guarantee the establishment of a proper court of final appeal on 1 July 1997 with Sino-British co-operation and in accordance with this Bill, which is based on the established principles and practices of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. It is clear that this latter scenario is more in the interests of Hong Kong. That is why the agreement has been welcomed by the CJ, the local and international business community and the people of Hong Kong.

End/Wednesday, June 28, 1995

Two lots sold for $820 million

Two lots of Government land were sold for a total of $820 million at a public auction held by the Lands Department this (Wednesday) afternoon.

The first lot located in Area 30, Tai Po, was bought by Daren International Limited at the opening price of $500 million.

With an area of 26,310 square metres, the lot is designated for residential use.

The developer has to complete a gross floor area of not less than 12,628 square metres on or before June 30, 1999.