XN000022-1995-11-20 — Page 2

Transcript of the Governor's media session

Following is the transcript of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's media session after attending the International Federation of Journalists regional conference this (Monday) afternoon:

Question: Governor, is there anything you would like to say on any issue (inaudible)?

Governor: No, I've made my speech.

Question: You mentioned the Bill of Rights, then what is your response to the CJ's statement on his view on the Bill of Rights?

Governor: The Attorney (General) is studying the CJ's statement and he will consider whether or not he wants to say anything further on the subject.

Question: Governor, just as a question of mechanics, should there for any reason be a vacancy at the level of CJ, what would the process be for filling it?

Governor: The process as set out in the Royal Instructions and Letters Patent. But there is no vacancy.

Question: Would you remind us what that process would be?

Governor: The process is one in which the Governor makes an appointment, with the agreement of the Government in London, after having taken soundings. But, I mean, the question doesn't arise.

Question: What steps will the Government be taking to restore public confidence in the Judiciary, following the CJ's comments?

Governor: I don't think that public confidence in the Judiciary has been affected. I certainly hope not.

Question: Mr Patten, could you respond to the Chinese Foreign Minister, Qian Qichen, saying something about the double identities of the Canadian citizens overseas, at the APEC meeting; can you respond to this?