XN000022-1996-11-30+12-01 — Page 12

11-

Question: The Liberal Party has pledged they would vote against the subversion Bill. Are you worried that the Bill will not get passed in the second reading of LegCo and what outcome to the public if the Bill is not enacted?

Governor: We will be trying very hard to ensure that the Bill does enjoy support in the Legislative Council. Those who vote against it will have to explain to the community why they have done so. I very much hope that rather than just strike attitudes people will actually talk about the content of the Bill. If there are aspects of the Bill that the Liberal Party doesn't like it should say what they are. If the Liberal Party doesn't like the Bill attempting to express BL 23 offences in terms which are consistent with the Common Law and with the best international practice, then they should say how they think these offences can be translated into law. They should look at what some of the leaders of our legal profession in Hong Kong have said about this extremely sensible and moderate Bill. I simply don't understand their attitude. If all they're prepared to do is to say no, but not actually discuss the substance of the issues.

Question: Are you worried that the provisional legislature will eventually hold up the Bill, even though it's passed by the present Legislature?

Governor: I think the community here and the international community would be extremely concerned if the protection of human rights in Hong Kong was to be undermined by decisions taken by an appointed body like the provisional legislature. Okay, thank you very much indeed.

End

District festival facilities community building: DHA

The Sham Shui Po District Festival has developed into the most outstanding community building activity in Hong Kong since it was first launched in 1986, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, said today (Sunday).

Officiating at the opening ceremony of this year's Sham Shui Po District Festival, Mrs Lau said the success of the annual function was the result of co- operation and involvement of people from all walks of life and community organisations in the district.