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The published Bill abolishes the rule requiring a corroboration warning to be given in respect of sexual offences, both in the case of a judge sitting with a jury, and in the case of a judge or a magistrate sitting alone.
The requirement of corroboration in respect of seven sexual offences under the Crimes Ordinance, including the procuring of a person by threats or intimidation to do an unlawful sexual act, and the procuring of a person to become a prostitute, will also be repealed.
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Consumer Price Indices for January
Consumer price inflation in terms of the Consumer Price Index (A) showed a remarkable further easing, to 5.9% in January 1996, from 8.2% in November and 6.6% in December 1995. This is the lowest inflation rate recorded since September 1987.
The latest Consumer Price Indices was released by the Census and Statistics Department today (Friday).
Similar moderation was also recorded in the Consumer Price Index (B). In January 1996, CPI(B) rose by 6.8%, compared with 7.3% in December 1995. The corresponding increase for Hang Seng CPI was 7.9%, which was the same as that in December 1995.
Composite CPI, which is compiled based on the combined expenditure pattern of all households, thus had a less rapid year-on-year increase of 6.8% in January 1996, against 7.2% in December 1995.
A government spokesman commented that the marked moderation in consumer price inflation in January, particularly as measured by CPI(A), was partly a reflection of continued moderation in inflationary pressures from both domestic and imported sources, a trend which emerged in the latter part of last year.
A less stringent local resource situation, together with slower increase in import prices brought about by a stronger US dollar, had contributed.
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