XN000022-1995-07-12 — Page 17

- 5 -

we have introduced a Bill establishing a Court of Final Appeal to ensure that in 1997, we have credible and effective arrangements to replace the Privy Council. A great deal has been said about this matter already and there will be a further opportunity to debate the proposals when the second reading of the Bill is resumed later in this session.

Furthermore, we have reviewed comprehensively the Laws of Hong Kong in the light of the Bill of Rights. We are committed to ensuring that our laws meet international standards of human rights in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Members of this Council have had their own views on the best way to take these issues forward. We have had vigorous and protracted debate to try and reach consensus but we have not always been able to accept Members' views. Despite the often serious divisions of opinion, I believe that, over these many months, Honourable Members and officials alike have shared the same conviction. We all believe that respect for the rule of law must include respect for the individual rights of everyone, particularly of the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community. Where we have differed has been over the most realistic ways in which to reach our common goal.

But the Administration's commitment to the rule of law has not been confined to constitutional and legislative proposals brought before this Council. We see the rule of law and its application in a much wider context. For the Administration, our starting point is the belief that the rule of law flourishes best where the community knows its rights when dealing with government departments. Since 1992, the Administration has applied this rule to its own performance, as we have invested heavily in providing more professional, accountable and responsive government. For example,

We have drawn up Performance Pledges for every government department serving the public directly, defining the standards which the public can expect and explaining how to complain when these are not met.

We have published Policy Commitments which set out goals, outline current programmes and present new initiatives for the entire range of government activities.