XN000022-1995-11-02 — Page 19

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(c) The ICAC was established as a result of public demand in 1974. Continued public support will see the Commission through 1997 and into the 21st century.

The Commissioner of the ICAC recently visited the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in Peking. Officials there made it clear that the Chinese Government wanted the fight against corruption in Hong Kong to continue vigorously both before and after 1997, to maintain confidence in Hong Kong and ensure that it continued to be an international financial and business centre. They also stressed the importance of cooperation between the ICAC and the anti-corruption authorities on the mainland, a view entirely shared by the Commissioner.

The Administration shares members' views that the ICAC must have sufficient powers to combat corruption. As Members will know, these powers were reviewed in 1994 by the ICAC Review Committee. The Committee's recommendations were accepted by the Government and the legislative proposals necessary to put them into effect are the subject of a Bill currently before this Council. The recommendations of the Committee for increased transparency in the ICAC and for changes to some of the ICAC's Advisory Committees were also agreed and are being implemented. In particular, Members of this Council will continue to be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Corruption, the main advisory committee for the ICAC.

The Commissioner believes that, despite the increase in reports of corruption, he has sufficient resources for the time being. If he sees a need for additional resources, he will seek them. Corruption in the public sector, particularly in the disciplined services, will continue to be the prime concern of the Commission. But the education of young people about the evils of corruption is not being overlooked. The ICAC will soon be holding a major conference to launch a Youth Ethics Programme. The Administration will continue to place great importance on the work of the ICAC.

To conclude Mr President, let me reaffirm the Administration's determination to work constructively with members of this Council and with the community in achieving the ambitious goals we have set ourselves. Together, I believe we can demonstrate that Hong Kong is ready for a fully elected legislature, a legislature that can contributes towards stability and a smooth transition while at the same time creating wealth so that we can continue to make social progress. This must be our common objective. Members of this Council play a vital role in our system of Government and my colleagues and I look forward to working closely with all members as part of an Administration in which hopefully the sun never sets.

Thank you, Mr President.

End/Thursday, November 2, 1995