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We propose to impose penalties for the improper disclosure of certain types of information concerning the Witness Protection Programmes. The Bill provides that disclosure of details of the Witness Protection Programmes by the witnesses involved, without legal authority or reasonable excuse, should constitute an offence punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term of five years. Moreover, we propose that any disclosure of information, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, as to the identity or location of a protected witness, or any improper disclosure of any information which may compromise the security of a witness, should be punishable by imprisonment for a maximum period of ten years.

The high level approving authority of the scheme will ensure that it is not open to abuse, and address any possible concern about the integrity of official documents issued. The Bill contains provisions to ensure that officials and authorised persons are protected from civil or criminal liability, while acting in good faith and in due execution of their duties in relation to the Programmes.

Mr President, success in criminal investigations and subsequent prosecutions very often depends on the willingness and the co-operation of witnesses to testify in criminal proceedings. It is therefore vital to have effective measures to protect and reassure witnesses, to encourage them to come forward to assist in investigation and to testify in court. We believe that our proposals will achieve this. We have consulted the Security Panel of this Council, and are grateful for the general support given to our proposals.

Thank you, Mr President.

End

Waste Disposal (Amendment) Bill

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in moving the second reading of the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Bill 1996 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I move the Second Reading of the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Bill. The Bill seeks to amend the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) to facilitate the implementation of charging schemes in accordance with the polluter pays principle.