XN000022-1995-11-02 — Page 31

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Bill of Rights Ordinance

Several Members have referred to the proposals by the Legal Sub-group of the Preliminary Working Committee (PWC) to repeal sections of the Bill of Rights Ordinance and readopt the former versions of certain laws that have been amended following the Ordinance's enactment. The proposals have raised widespread expressions of opposition in the community. The Government's position is clear. We attach great importance to the protection of human rights through the rule of law, an independent judiciary and the Bill of Rights Ordinance. Article 39 of the Basic Law makes it clear that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights shall be implemented through the laws of Hong Kong. The amendments to the six pieces of legislation referred to by the PWC were intended to bring the relevant laws into line with the ICCPR. There is no inconsistency between the Bill of Rights Ordinance and the Joint Declaration and Basic Law and we see no reason for it to be amended in the way that has been suggested. The community has made it clear that we regard the Preliminary Working Committee's proposals as a retrograde step, one that will create a great deal of uncertainty and seriously undermine confidence. We have taken the matter up at the meeting of the Joint Liaison Group this week and will continue to press the Chinese side through formal channels.

Rural Planning & Improvement Strategy (RIPS)

Some concerns have been expressed over the slow progress of work in the implementation of the Rural Planning & Improvement Strategy (RIPS).

Let me reassure Members that Government is fully committed to completing the RIPS programme within the original timeframe of 1999/2000. Of the $5 billion available for this programme, $3.4 billion has been earmarked for Major Works which fall under the responsibility of the Director of Territory Development costing over $15 million each, and $1.6 billion for Minor Works which fall under the responsibility of the Director of Home Affairs costing less than $15 million each.